My Review:I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the following is my honest review and opinion. I am all about the animals and oMy Review:I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the following is my honest review and opinion. I am all about the animals and often so are young readers, so this seemed like a really fun book to try out (and it is the first in a zoo series). This reads like a beginning reader book almost but the story itself needs a bit more of a young middle grade audience to grasp. It would be a nice bridge book to chapter books but for those looking for an easier story to read but a bit of a higher thought level. I love the way that the kids had to figure out the mystery but just observing the monkeys, it took time and patience to figure out the problem and come up with a solution. It also included some nice trial and error as well to show not every answer is an easy one. It was fun and thought invoking. This is a series that young animal enthusiasts will really be wanting to pick up and read....more
My Review: I understand much world hates Rowling (and understandably so) but in the somewhat abysmal search for a middle grade Christmas book for my sMy Review: I understand much world hates Rowling (and understandably so) but in the somewhat abysmal search for a middle grade Christmas book for my son to read, I came across this one. It ended up being the perfect story for him to enjoy, it seems to be very heavily inspired by the Velveteen Rabbit and something else from my childhood that I can't quite remember. I love the idea of the Land of Lost things. My son has a particular stuffy that he has loved since day one, so he was really able to relate to a lot of Jack's feelings about DP. It was quite the adventure and perfect for young readers to pick up throughout the month of December. ...more
My Review: My son has really gotten into Pokemon lately and I honestly know nothing about it, so before he read this series of books I thought I wouldMy Review: My son has really gotten into Pokemon lately and I honestly know nothing about it, so before he read this series of books I thought I would give them a try. I honestly found it rather entertaining. It was easy to read even though I haven't read a lot of others in the series, I was able to understand who the characters were and picture the settings. I do kind of wish these books were a little longer, even my son was able to read them in under an hour!...more
My Review:I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley; the following is my honest review and opinion. Applegate is my all time favoritMy Review:I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley; the following is my honest review and opinion. Applegate is my all time favorite Middle Grade author so I definitely was excited about a new book from her. This one is just adorable and really captures some important issues without being heavy handed. The setting is unique but easy to imagine, with some creative creatures. I really enjoyed the way Applegate encourages acceptance of people for who they are with all their quirks. The emphasis on the environment and the way different elements of nature effects other elements, it is definitely a book that will spark up some great conversations. I read an eArc of this one but I will definitely be picking up a hard copy and I really hope there are some illustrations to really draw you even further into the story....more
My very first Pokemon book ever and it was as an adult reader. While this book was the first in a box set, it definitely wasn't the first in the serieMy very first Pokemon book ever and it was as an adult reader. While this book was the first in a box set, it definitely wasn't the first in the series and it made it a bit difficult to figure out who the characters were and why they were important. I would have preferred to understand what a Pokemon was and how they work before diving into an adventure. But it was still enjoyable and easy to read, great for younger readers or even reluctant readers. ...more
My Review:I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the following is my honest review and opinion. I was instantly drawn to the covMy Review:I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the following is my honest review and opinion. I was instantly drawn to the cover of this book with the big Maine Coon on the cover, and once I read the synopsis I was really intrigued. This book definitely did not disappoint! I loved the tone of the book, sweet, a bit emotional and difficult at times but also triumphant. I think it handled the subject of the way autism spectrum presents differently in different people pretty well, though I am no where near someone to really recommend it, I felt like it opened my eyes a bit more. My favorite part is that we get to read from the perspective of the cat, Frankie. He may not know or understand everything that happens with the humans around him but he does know what he can do and gives with his whole heart. It was an interesting way of approaching a difficult subject and I think it is one that will have young readers turning the pages when they may have put the book down when it got a bit heavy. ...more
My Review:I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the following is my honest review and opinion. I was immediately drawn to this My Review:I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the following is my honest review and opinion. I was immediately drawn to this book, not only was it written by one of my favorite fantasy authors but it has a unicorn on the cover. To be honest, I did struggle quite a bit to get into this book, and it was on me, I think Middle Grade Fantasy just isn't for me at this point in my reading life. It was a unique set up with a magical world side by side with the read world and sisters who have to share their magic. It was rather silly with a lot of funny quirks that will have young readers laughing. Durst definitely hit her target audience for this one just right with a lot of characters starting to come into their own personalities, strengths and weaknesses; and learning to work with what they have and maybe not envying other for what they have. I like the way the characters had to work together to problem solve. This was quite the adventure and I do hope there might be more books after this one as I can see it being a world that would be fun for young readers to explore....more
My Review: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The following is my honest review and opinion. I read the first graphic novel My Review: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The following is my honest review and opinion. I read the first graphic novel in the Max Meow series and really enjoyed it and could see where young readers would love it. This time around I was anxious to not only read it but to also share it with my son, he is a huge Dog Man and InvestiGators fan. I really enjoyed this one, maybe even more than the first. It is a fun action story with super heroes, a mystery thrown in and (yes this is the parent in me) some really great lessons too! My son did not want to put this one down and neither did I, we both finished it within 2 days and are so excited for another one to come out! ...more
My Review:I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book, the following is my honest review and opinion. If yMy Review:I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book, the following is my honest review and opinion. If you know anything about me, I bet you know that I am obsessed with any books surrounding the Legend of King Arthur; so there was no way I could refuse to read a whole trilogy of books surrounding Guinevere as a child. This was a great trilogy of stories, lots of action, definitely some lessons learned and beginnings of legends. I really enjoyed getting to know this adventurous version of Guinevere with her companion Cedwyn as she begins her journey to becoming King Arthur's beloved queen. Throughout the trilogy we get to follow as Guinevere and Cedwyn grow from care free children to young teens that are forced to see the cost of choices and begin taking on the burden of their future roles as queen and knight. Never fear, they are not alone in this journey and we get to see some of the big players in the traditional King Arthur legends. Carpinello is definitely familiar with the traditional tales as well as those that have been re-told over the years and beautifully wrapped her story in amongst those stories in such a seamless manner that it feels like this series belongs in tradition as well. It was easy enough to read that newer readers can enjoy the book and the action will keep them coming back for more, but still intriguing enough that more experienced readers will still find themselves drawn into the books....more
My Review:I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the following is my honest review and opinion. I originally picked up this bookMy Review:I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the following is my honest review and opinion. I originally picked up this book because of the beautiful cover but I got so much more than expected. As someone who has only just begun reading Science Fiction books, I wasn't sure what a Middle Grade would be like. It was actually pretty easy to get into and imagine through the descriptions Thorne gives, making it a vivid setting. I also enjoyed the undertones in this coming of age story of friendships growing and changing. We also get to see a variety of adult to kid interactions and some great lessons about whom to trust. Don't get me wrong, this is definitely not all emotion, there is some great action and awe inspiring moments. I was left really hoping there is such a thing as Star Whales out there in the universe....more
My Review: I happened to stumble across this book at the library while searching for books for Middle Grade March. I decided it would be a fun book toMy Review: I happened to stumble across this book at the library while searching for books for Middle Grade March. I decided it would be a fun book to read with Munchkin since he is currently learning his times tables. He opted not to listen to it but I still listened. This would be a great book for a kid with might be intimidated by the times tables or be struggling a bit. It was a great confidence booster, the way the difficulty was handled by various characters, no one teased, no one yelled, just supported and gave tips and helped the best they could. This was such a great book and I hope many young readers discover it. ...more
My Review: I borrowed the audio book from the library for Middle Grade March and it was a really enjoyable listen. I like the theme of the books I havMy Review: I borrowed the audio book from the library for Middle Grade March and it was a really enjoyable listen. I like the theme of the books I have picked this year that revolve around speaking up for yourself and finding what you enjoy and want out of life. I really like how this book handled the family aspect of this book, they are all so close knit with Cyrus and his dad, a single adoptive father, and grandma who is non-verbal after a stroke, they are all so caring and loving of each other. This book brings to light the expectations put on kids to follow in family footsteps, maybe not on purpose but by assumption and the struggles kids face in trying to meet those expectations and not let anyone down. The need for open communication starts at a young age and the need only increases with time. This was a very enjoyable book and will really appeal to the younger readers....more
My Review: Munchkin and I really loved The Wild Robot a couple of years ago and have just been waiting for a good time for us to read this one togetheMy Review: Munchkin and I really loved The Wild Robot a couple of years ago and have just been waiting for a good time for us to read this one together. This was a great follow up book, but still pretty different from the first book as Roz is now in the realm of humans and other robots. I preferred the first book where we got to see her learn and adapt to the island and inhabitants, where as this book Roz already has the skills she needs but she does have to problem solve how to escape. Munchkin however preferred this one, he liked the way Roz was able to escape again and again. He also liked seeing the other robots. This was a very satisfying conclusion but we would definitely read more books about Roz or set in this world!...more
My Review: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the following is my honest review and opinion. I am always on the hunt for booMy Review: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the following is my honest review and opinion. I am always on the hunt for books with male protagonists that I can add to my son's library, this one captured my attention as Munchkin has recently started getting into shooting sports. I really enjoyed this book, the family and tradition aspect of it really brought me home, my family hunted for the meat and it was a whole family endeavor. I also really appreciated the aspect of taking a life and how it was handled throughout the story. The inclusion of not only the male family members was also great. I really enjoyed this story and even with being a shorter book and written for younger readers, I was completely drawn in and felt like I was there. It had me laughing, tearing up and my heart racing. I can't wait for Munchkin to read this book, we will definitely be adding it to our shelves!...more
My Review:I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the following is my honest review and opinion. Gosh, if there was every a charaMy Review:I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the following is my honest review and opinion. Gosh, if there was every a character I could relate to as a young girl, Lilla is it! The quiet, reserved girl who keeps her mouth shut so she doesn't upset anyone around her and does her best to keep everyone happy and meet everyone's expectations. I completely sympathized with amount of pressure she is under throughout the book. I really enjoyed watching her grow throughout the Summer Wish. While this book already has a pretty important topic about being brave and speaking up for yourself, it also adds in the topic of guy behavior towards women and girls. I really like the term used in this book of 'street harassment', it captures what every female experiences at some point in their life, often way too young to handle it. I like the way that the situation is handled in the story in the long run, Parks doesn't wave a magic wand and make it all okay with the story, she shows how often concerns are brushed aside. Really a beautifully written book and an important one as well....more
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