Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You by Jeffrey Selingo

To enter my contest to win a consult or portfolio review click here.  

When friend and family tell me that their student is applying to college soon and ask my thoughts my answer is, “The game has changed since you went to school. “ Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You by Jeffrey Selingo is the book you need if you are applying to college. The book is written for parents and students and will teach you how to play the new game especially if you applied using an erasable pen like I did.

The author uses many current statistics, talks about what is important to look for in a school, and helps you figure out what will be a good fit for you in a college. I appreciated that he discussed cost and that he used many helpful examples to explain how to set a budget. The author shares a list of what he terms the “new” dream schools that are both accessible and excellent.

This is a great book if you are just starting your college journey, in the middle, or trying to end strong. I recommend.

I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.

Blurb:Attending college has long been a rite of passage for millions of teens and a bedrock of the American dream. But that well-worn path has lately taken a wrong turn, denying admission even to super-achievers and putting intolerable stress on family finances. Now, in Dream School Jeffrey Selingo shifts the spotlight from how colleges pick students to how students can better pick colleges.

With test-optional policies and grade inflation leveling the playing field for applicants, getting into prestigious schools has become a kind of lottery. “Plan A” may work out, but increasingly it isn’t—so Selingo urges families to ditch the “Top 25 or bust” mindset and look beyond the usual suspects. Hidden-gem schools with incredible value and rich opportunities are waiting to be discovered. Backed by unparalleled research—and an eye-opening survey of 3,500 parents—Dream School reveals what really matters in a strong job prospects after graduation, hands-on learning experiences, and a sense of belonging. To help students find their perfect match, Selingo highlights 75 accessible and affordable colleges that will satisfy those priorities.

Organized into three easy-to-digest sections, Dream School explains why elite college degrees turn out to matter less than you think, why many parents and students are choosing value over prestige, and how to make sure the degree really pays off. In these pages, Selingo’s engaging style and expert insights turn what is often an unnavigable maze into a clear roadmap.

Destined to become the ultimate guide for families crossing the perilous college admissions landscape, Dream School isn’t just a book—it’s a lifeline for those who can find themselves trapped in an overwhelming process.

Service Credit or Portfolio Giveaway. Ends January 20, 2026 @11:59 So Enter today!

 Winner Chosen!  Congratulations Laura L.  Thank you to all who entered!

Contest runs through Tuesday January 20 at 11:59.  I wish you the best and hope you win!  

Happy New Year!!  I hope your homeschooling is going well.  I am excited to connect with families in 2026 through portfolio reviews, transcripts, and consulting!  For Portfolio reviews click here, and for Consulting click here.  

I  am giving away a 40 minute consult ($50)  OR A Portfolio review ($45)  You may redeem your prize anytime between now and July 1, 2026. The prize is non-transferable.  

Use the Gleam entry form below to enter.  The contest ends January 20th at 11:59pm 

Please know I verify all winning entries. If you need help, email me: ohiohomeschool@gmail.com  

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Please know that I verify the winning entry. If you need help with a step please email me. ohiohomeschool@gmail.com 

Portfolio Review OR $50 Towards a Consult

The First Christmas by N. T. Wright Illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia

The First Christmas by N. T. Wright Illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia is a wonderful book that shares the Christmas story with gorgeous pictures to go along with the text. This picture book is larger making the pictures more engaging to the reader. The book also has shares how God keeps his promises with scripture reference.

This is a stunning book that will be a Christmas treasure for your family. You can have several children or one child gather around and they can easily see the wonderful pictures with the Christmas story. I would recommend this for any child between the ages of 4-8, and honestly older children and adults will also be very engaged. I highly recommend The First Christmas by N. T. Wright Illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia .

I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.

N.T. Wright (Nicholas Thomas Wright, b. 1948) is a renowned English New Testament scholar, theologian, and former Anglican Bishop of Durham, known for his extensive work making Christianity accessible, including children's books like God's Big Picture Bible Storybook and My Big Story Bible, which connect biblical narratives for young readers, stemming from his deep academic background at Oxford and St. Andrews and passion for communicating faith. 

Merry Christmas, My Darling Dear: Celebrating the Gift of Jesus written and illustrated by Amy Kavelaris

Merry Christmas, My Darling Dear: Celebrating the Gift of Jesus written and illustrated by Amy Kavelaris published by Thomas Nelson is a beautiful Christmas picture book for children ages 4-8.  This sweet story shares the gospel message of Christmas with exquisite pictures and an engaging story. I was drawn into this this beautiful picture book and was absolutely enchanted.  I loved the mama dear and baby dear who tell the sweet story.  It made me want to hold my youngest close as I read the book.  

This is a book that you will want to share with a little one year after year to celebrate Christmas.  The beautiful redemptive themes that share the true meaning of Christmas are accompanied by stunning and engaging pictures.  This a true delight.  I highly recommend Merry Christmas, My Darling Dear: Celebrating the Gift of Jesus written and illustrated by Amy Kavelaris. 

A great gift for your child, a grandchild, a niece or nephew, godchild, or really any child to share the sweet story of Christmas. 

I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.  

 

Amy has been captivated by the study of light, drawing and design since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She grew up sketching and writing poetry, in a tree overlooking the lake and now her work can be found in stores and homes around the globe. She is a follower of Jesus and is unbelievably grateful for every opportunity she has to create, for His glory.

Launched in 2013 as an art school for children, Amy Kavs Art/BloomPrints Studio LLC switched it’s focus in 2016 to custom paintings corporate design work, and children’s book publishing.

You can find her work in Target, Walmart, Anthropologie, Casetify, BeBe Au Lait, Altar’d State, Better Homes and Gardens, and others.

She has collaborated with countless brands including: Skecher’s Shoes, Pampers Diapers, PLUM NYC, The Miss America Foundation, and Wild Bird Company.Amy and her husband live in the Midwest with their three small girls.