Latest Kids Book Reviews

So, I like history. And I really like ancient history. So to find a graphic novel series about Cleopatra was MINDBLOWING!. Let me first warn you, the book is not exactly accurate. This Cleopatra does NOT like school, and that gets her into a lot of trouble. I have read the first book of this series and needless to say, I plan to read them ALL! Cleopatra VII gets transported to an Egyptian-styled future through a mysterious glowing tablet. See. She should have been studying! Questions? What is the mysterious glowing tablet? Where did it come from? Cleopatra VII lands learns she is on Planet Mayet in the Ailuros System. She finds herself going back to school on this foreign planet in hopes to find her way back home. More questions? How can her new friends, Akila and Brian, help her find out how she got to Planet Mayet? Is the destiny of 15-year-old Cleo to battle and protect the Planet Mayet from Xaius Octavian and his Xerx army? I ope you read the first book in this series, too, so you can find out!

Imagine living in a word, where every year, called the Reaping, two people, a girl and boy from ages 12-18, are chosen between 12 other districts to fight to the death, and the last one standing wins their district food, money and endless happiness. Well, that's what happens in this book. Katniss Everdeen , an illegal hunter to feed her family, and the rest of her district. Her district is District 12, the poorest district, and has never known what it feels like to be full, volunteers as a tribute, to standing against 23 others, and fight to the death. But, there is someone who is always on her mind ever since his name was called: Peeta. "I remember him, from when I was smaller." "Why is he getting in my head?" "Peeta, Peeta, Peeta," is all that runs through her head. Before the Games even start, there is manipulation, confusion, danger and love, a book everyone should read. Before reading this book, I really didn't think I would like it, considering the fact that I'm very, very picky when it comes to reading books, and will immediately put one down if it doesn't satisfy me. There is a rare moment where I feel touched by a book, and very emotional. That is how this book made me feel; I swear I cried sometimes. This book is really symbolic, and shows a comparison to the real world, and the class system. As most people know, District 12, the district Katniss grew up in, represents a class of poverty, the low class system. Places like District 11, to around District 5, would fall under the class system of Middle and Upper Middle class, which is like having basic needs, a job, enough food on the table, maybe even sometimes surplus, and just overall, a good amount of everything. Then you have District, 4, 3, 2, and 1, who are basically the rich people. Very entitled, always has food on the table, has never struggled, and has money galore. This is exactly like our world, with people in poverty, people who have things they need, and a little more, and then the people who have so much that they could share, but don't. This book not only subtly shows that, but also shows tension when all of these people come together as equals every year, fighting to the death. This is why I love this book, there are multiple meanings to that. If you watched the movies, you'll definitely enjoy the books

Ruthie is just a young girl living in New York City, trying to achieve the American dream until those dreams are put on the line after a car accident that leaves her very injured. The story follows Ruthie's journey to recovery, forgiveness, hope, and love. I loved this book so so much for not only the thought provoking bits and life lessons, but for the melting pots of cultures that were conveyed. Because this is largely based off of the author's own experience, it has a personal touch that couldn't have been added otherwise. First of all, the life lessons and thought provoking bits. I loved Ruthie and I think anyone could sympathize with her hopefulness and kindness. I also loved how her recovery process was used in such a way that Ruthie had to grow up fast and learned so many life lessons like forgiveness, following your dreams, etc. The one complaint I would have is that I felt that sometimes, because Ruthie was bedridden, the story dragged a little. I also loved the other main component I took away from the book, which is that America is a melting pot. One of her friends was Indian, another was fluent in French and English and was from Belgium, their apartment neighbor was from Mexico, and Ruthie's extended family (all Cuban) were featured heavily. I also loved how whenever these cultures were brought up, they were always very warm and celebrated their culture (her parents dancing, their culture of food, her friend's mother making pastries, etc.) and I felt like I learned something about each of the cultures. Ultimately, this book showed one girl's story of recovery while learning about forgiveness and hope, and was able to celebrate cultures from all over the world without making the book all about culture/religion. The book shows that you should always follow your dreams because in America, it's a melting pot- anyone can achieve anything.

THE WOLF WILDER is an exciting and mysterious account of how friends can help you overcome CHALLENGES. It tells the story of 12-year-old Feo, who lives in the 1910s in snowy Russia. She lives in the woods with her mother Marina, and they rewild pet WOLVES. Which is a very nice occupation. The book begins with some soldiers barging into the hut and demanding 3 trillion dollars because one of their wilded wolves killed an elk. They confiscate Feo's golden necklace and issue a stern warning: If they ever find out that they have been wilding wolves again, there will be SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. But they do it anyway, because why not? Then they get caught and Marina is sent to jail. So, Feo and her wolf friends, along with a human named Ilya, set out to rescue her mother and fight General Rakov, the cruel commander of the Russian Army who is EVIL. This book was very funny, especially about wolves eating toes. And it had a lot of action in it too! It also teaches about the importance of bravery and WOLVES. I recommend it to people who like fast-paced stories with animals in them.

By all accounts, Kristy’s stepfather, Watson, has been working too hard. The family is worried that Watson is going to hurt himself. Sure enough, Watson has a life-threatening heart attack. After the close call, Watson makes a decision: he’ll quit his high stress job and become a stay-at-home dad. The news comes as a surprise to the Brewer/Thomas household and everyone expects the worst. However, the next few days run incredibly smoothly and Kristy and the others are starting to like this new change. But when Nannie decides to leave because she thinks she’s not needed (or wanted) and Emily Michelle gets the flu, will “Super Mom” collapse under the pressure? This book was amusing. It depicted a practical family, but it was done masterfully so you are still getting fictional entertainment. Kristy’s family is disorganized but also very much lovable. It’s easy to fall in love with the family. But mixed in with the charm and humor, there were also very good life lessons. One being the fact that doing hard things on your own only hurts you and eventually others. The book stresses the point that asking for help is not shameful but, in fact, honorable. I appreciated the reminder. I walked away from reading this book feeling refreshed and motivated. I suggest this book if you like family, babysitting, and friendship. Happy reading!