middle grade book
Book Review: Sherlock Holmes Children’s Collection
Sherlock Holmes Children’s Collection
5 out of 5 stars
These Sherlock Holmes mysteries are retold and simplified for children ages 7-13. Each story follows exactly the same story line as the original books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, with much of the same dialogue and narration. Holmes and Watson are the same beloved characters that we know, and the mystery is just as suspenseful and thrilling as the original.
I loved how the writing style is simple, but is still vivid and energetic! The text is large, and there are a few definition boxes that explain terms or historical items that may be unfamiliar.
I loved the black and white illustrations that pop up every few pages.
Book Review: Premeditate Myrtle
Premeditated Myrtle
by Elizabeth C. Bunce (Goodreads Author)5 out of 5 stars
by Elizabeth C. Bunce (Goodreads Author)5 out of 5 stars
Myrtle is the daughter of a Court Prosecutor, and follows her father’s cases with alacrity. She loves to read the Police reports and studies toxicology. When her next-door neighbor is murdered, Myrtle is sure she knows how to solve the case, but how is a Proper Young Lady supposed to adhere to the Rules of Etiquette AND have the freedom to run around town solving crimes? Only with the help of her redoubtable governess, Miss Judson.
One of the things that made me fall in love with this book is the incredible character development. I love how the main characters change their minds, discover new information, grow in their personalities and abilities, and suddenly realize that their relationships with other characters can be different.
I was fully invested in the character growth and the story from the very first page. The writing drew me in, and emotionally hooked me into the lives of the characters. I was massively curious about every clue. I couldn’t wait to read the next chapter and the next!
Book Review: Septimus Heap: Darke
Septimus Heap: Darke (#6)By Angie Sage
4 out of 5 stars
That stinking Merrin Meredith is back, threatening the Castle with the power of the Darke. Only Septimus, his dragon Spitfyre, and Princess Jenna can stop Merrin from covering the entire city in Darkeness.
I loved this book! The plot is full of action and magic and twists. I adore the characters, and I love how they grow and learn throughout the series. This book was particularly emotional for the Heap family as prodigal son, Simon, strives to win back his family’s love and trust.
Classic Retelling Review + Giveaway
Pippa Park Raises Her Game review on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show…
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1. Must be 18 or older, or have parent’s permission.
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3. Giveaway is open from Feb 2- 16.
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Book Review: Pippa Park Raises Her Game
Pippa Park Raises Her Game
by Erin Yun
by Erin Yun
5 out of 5 stars
When Pippa Park gets a basketball scholarship to a fancy private school, she feels pressured to pretend like she’s rich and cool so that she can fit in with her elite classmates. But how long can she keep up the farce, when her Korean family owns a laundromat and Pippa barely has money to buy a slice of pizza at the school cafeteria? With her grades slipping and her relationships in turmoil, Pippa begins to realize that some of her new friends have family secrets of their own.
This retelling of Dicken’s “Great Expectations” is utterly brilliant from start to finish! Continue reading
Book Review: Zeus the Mighty
Zeus the Mighty: The Quest for the Golden Fleas
by Crispin Boyer
by Crispin Boyer
4 out of 5 stars
Zeus is a hamster who rules the kingdom of the pet store along with the other Olympian gods, Athena the cat, Demeter the cricket, Ares the dog, and Poseidon the puffer fish. These animals have mystic powers and find artifacts that help them in their adventures. When Poseidon questions Zeus’ ability to rule, Zeus goes on a quest to find the Golden Fleas (Fleece) to prove that he is worthy to be king of the gods.
I loved this funny book! The animals all have vivid personalities, and I loved their hilarious dialogue. It’s so clever how Greek mythology is woven into the pet store setting. Continue reading
Book Review: Ben Archer and the Cosmic Fall
Ben Archer and the Cosmic Fall (Alien Skill, #1)
by Rae Knightly (Goodreads Author)
by Rae Knightly (Goodreads Author)
3 out of 5 stars
Ben has no memory of when a “meteor” fell near his Grampa’s home while Ben was visiting there. There are government agents snooping around the crash site, and Ben’s Grampa is trying to keep Ben’s name out of it by hiding him away with his mother in the city. An alien named Mesmo is on the run from dangerous government agents, and tries to protect the innocent human witnesses from the “meteor” crash site. A mysterious shape-shifter tracks down Ben as a witness to the crash, and Ben and his mother are both in terrible danger.
I enjoyed the writing style in this book. It’s concise and clear, with a lot of emotional scenes between characters. The writer shows us the inner feelings of each character, and there is some powerful dialogue. The characters are deep and complex with authentic relationships. Continue reading
Comic Review: Zatanna and the House of Secrets
Zatanna & the House of Secrets
by Matthew Cody, Yoshi Yoshitani
by Matthew Cody, Yoshi Yoshitani
5 out of 5 stars
Zatanna is just trying to survive middle school. She and her stage-magician Dad live in a mysterious house with an adorable pet rabbit, Pocus. Zatanna believes that her father’s magic tricks are just illusions, until one fateful day when she encounters real magic. She realizes that the house holds more secrets than she ever knew, and she must navigate trick stairs, cold dungeons, and enigmatic doors to escape the clutches of a wicked sorceress and save her father.
I loved this comic from start to finish! Zatanna is a wonderful character, and she has some good personal development and teen angst that packs an emotional punch. The plot is enchanting and mystic with lots of wonderful surprises and twists. I loved the magical elements in the House of Secrets, and especially the magical characters and creatures that Zatanna meets as she discovers a new world of wizardy and spells. Continue reading
Graphic Novel Review: The World According to Francois
The World According to François: The Writer’s Secret
by Vincent Zabus, Renaud Collin
by Vincent Zabus, Renaud Collin
4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
Francois is a little boy with a big imagination. He is always writing down stories and telling them to his classmates and teachers, but the bullies in school make fun of his stories and his teachers are exasperated with him. He meets a mysterious woman who tells him that he has a magical power over letters of the alphabet and can command any book to do his bidding. An evil man has seized control of the letters, and only Francois can restore balance to the secret world of authors.
I loved Francois’ character! He has a good heart and enjoys using his intelligence to fantasize about other worlds and magical creations.
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