The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace Lin Adventure Fantasy Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Jin is a lion. He is also one of the Gongshi, stone spirits. His father, the Lion, is the guardian of the Sacred Sphere. Jin is not quite excited about his heritage. His father is stern; so stern, in fact, it seems that having fun is never a good thing. One should always been … Read more
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Adventure Fantasy Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl follows the story of a young boy named Charlie Bucket, who wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory. Charlie and four other children explore the factory filled with incredible inventions and magical rooms. Who will win the factory? Read the book to find out! I … Read more
Virtual Reality Madness Spy Ninjas series by Vannotes Adventure Graphic Novel Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) A group of kid spies who have to stop a bad guy named Dr. Disaster from taking over the internet with a virtual reality game. They use their spy skills and teamwork to beat the game and save the day. For upper elementary and middle school readers.
Fenris & Mott by Gary Van Eekhout Mystery Science Fiction Supernatural Thriller Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Fast-paced Norse mythology novel where Mott has to prevent the Fenris from eating the moon, or the world will end. I liked this book because you are thrown into the plot, and it is a good mix of mystery, weird happenings, and friendship. For elementary and middle school readers.
Charlie Thorne and the Curse of Cleopatra Charlie Thorne #3 by Stuart Gibbs Adventure Realistic Fiction Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) Charlie Thorne is on the run. Yet again. And this time, she has to avoid her step-brother, his girlfriend, their agency, and the other foreign governmental agencies. She is determined to find her way through a series of clues that Cleopatra has left behind—and these clues lead to a great treasure. … Read more
From Wonderland with Love Code Name: Alice, book #1 by Jeffrey Westhoff Fantasy Funny Mystery Suspense Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) While reminiscing about her adventures in Wonderland and Looking-Glass, Alice is once again surprised by the White Rabbit, who has come to enlist her aid in a matter of National Security! When she left Wonderland, the Knave of Hearts had been accused of stealing tarts and managed to sneak away in all … Read more
The Wrong Way Home By Kate O’Shaughnessy Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Frankie (Fern) and her mom (Jamie) live in an “off-the-grid, self-sustaining community” run by Dr. Ben. On the “Ranch” they eschew technology and practices that are harmful to the Earth, and chemicals that are bad for the environment. They grow their own food and make their own clothes – all under Dr. Ben’s guidance. Fern worships Dr. Ben and when … Read more
Seagarden Plotting the Stars #2 by Michelle A. Barry Fantasy Mystery Science Fiction * * * Stars (Pretty good) Myra and her friends saw their secret moon garden destroyed when it was discovered. They’ve started another one, but it’s not ideal. What’s worse is that Myra’s Botan magic seems to be going wrong when she tries to use it (something to do with the trauma of what she experienced with the previous garden). They’re still … Read more
Bunnybirds by Natalie Lim Fantasy Graphic Novel Mystery * * * * Stars (Great!) The Bunnybirds exist in a joyful state where nothing really seems to bother them. This isn’t really true, but that’s the facade they are supposed to project – especially their Princess. But when other members of the flock start disappearing and the Princess Aster starts having prophetic dreams about what’s happened to them, it’s hard to be joyful. When the King … Read more
The Partition Project by Saadia Faruqi Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Maha is initially unenthusiastic when her Dadi (grandmother) comes from Pakistan to live with their family in the US. Not only does she have to give up her bedroom and move into the attic, but since Maha’s parents are both very busy (dad is a doctor and mom is a nutritionist) they make Maha responsible for Dadi – she is supposed … Read more