Restart by Gordon Korman Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) Chase Ambrose, an 8th grade jock, loves to torment the other people at school. His physique and dad’s legacy allow him to do this without getting in trouble ever. But when he gets amnesia, he starts to realize the monster that he was, even making a kid switch schools. He starts to make new friends with the people he bullied, and … Read more
Aru Shah and the Song of Death Pandava Quintet, book #2 by Roshani Chokshi Adventure Fantasy Hindu Mythology Supernatural Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) “Aru Shah and the Song of Death” by Roshani Chokshi is the second book in the “Pandava Quintet”. The series continues to follow Aru Shah and the Pandavas. This time, Aru Shah is accused of stealing the god of love’s bow and arrow, which causes all sorts … Read more
Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes Pandava Quintet, book #3 by Roshani Chokshi Adventure Fantasy Hindu Mythology Science Fiction Supernatural Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) “Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes” by Roshani Chokshi follows Aru and her friends as they continue their quest to stop the Sleeper, a villain threatening to destroy the world. This time, they must find the Tree of Wishes to gain a powerful wish … Read more
Aru Shah and the City of Gold Pandava Quintet, book #4 by Roshani Chokshi Adventure Fantasy Hindu Mythology Romance Supernatural Suspense Thriller Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) In “Aru Shah and the City of Gold” by Roshani Chokshi, Aru, and the Pandavas continue their quest to stop the Sleeper from destroying the world. They travel to the City of Gold, where they have to go through a series of challenges that lead … Read more
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Mystery Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin, revolves around the death of millionaire Samuel W. Westing and the unusual circumstances that follow. Sixteen heirs, who are all unconnected, are gathered to solve the mystery of Westing’s death to inherit his vast fortune. They are divided into pairs and given clues to unravel the mystery. Throughout the book, secrets are revealed, alliances … Read more
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse Historical Fiction Novel in Verse Review #1 * * Stars (Just ok) “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse tells the story of Billie Jo, a young girl growing up in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl. Through a series of free-verse poems, Billie Jo narrates her struggles with the harsh environment, the death of her mother, her physical and emotional scars, and rebuilding her life and family back … Read more
Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan Adventure Fantasy Mystery Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This series follows the adventures of Will, an orphan who is chosen as an apprentice Ranger, one of the skilled archers, trackers, and warriors of the King of Araluen. Will strives to keep the Kingdom safe from intruders. This book is an exceptional start to a thrilling series with vivid imagery, compelling character development, and impressive storytelling. … Read more
Pie in the Sky by Remi Lai Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) An adjusting eleven-year-old boy, Jingwen struggles to get used to his new home in Australia and deal with his annoying little brother Yanghao. Still trying to deal with the loss of his dad, Jingwen finds a way to cope by baking cakes with his father, just like his father used to make with him. With a heartfelt … Read more
It’s Like This, Cat by Emily Neville Adventure Historical Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Dave and his father don’t get along. At all. In fact, one of the only reasons that they keep their arguments to a smaller level (that still ends with Dave storming out of the house and running to a different house, Kate’s) is the fact that his mother gets asthma anytime she hears a more violent … Read more
Moongarden Plotting the Stars #1 by Michelle A. Barry Fantasy Science Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) In the future, on the Moon, where humans were forced to flee when the Earth’s plants turned against them, Myra Hodger is attending boarding school. Everyone expects her to follow in the footsteps of her Number Whisperer parents, but her talents lie elsewhere. If she doesn’t discover her particular brand of magic soon (she hasn’t shown any … Read more