We love getting book reviews from young readers! Here are some new titles recommended by some of our younger reviewers. The future of reading is in good hands.
Vaguely reminiscent of Kate DiCamillo's THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX this tale about a boy and his favorite stuffed bunny is a perfect story to read before bedtime with your child who is just leaning to read, or for them to read all by themselves. With a mix of whimsy and playfulness along with a rather deep message adults and children alike are sure to enjoy watching Ollie find his way back to his boy.
Grace Radford, Once Upon a Teen Reader
Mutt's Promise is a joyous book about hope and love. I could read it 1,000 times in a row! Luna, the puppy, finds out that promises are promises. She is heart-broken about a terrible accident. This book is very adventurous. I love the way the author words the sentences in the book. If you like suspense and love and hope, you would love the book Mutt's Promise!
Cecilia (age 8)
Save me a Seat is a great book that anyone and everyone should read. You should read this book because it tells about something that we do everyday, go to school. And sometimes come from across the world to the U.S. because there are better jobs for your parents than where you were before. This is Ravi's case, he and his family have come from India to the U.S. for better jobs, and Ravi has to go to a new school. This story is about Ravi's first week of school in America, and at first he thinks it's pretty simple, but the week goes from great to horrible and on Friday it goes back to great. I recommend this book highly and you should not miss it, so please read it just for the fun of it.
Okay, big disclaimer, I’m the middle kid in my family – just like the main character in this book. So yeah – I liked this book. But even if you are not a middle kid, that does not mean you won’t like this book, because everybody has experienced bad frazzled days. Abbie Wu, the main character, is going though middle school sandwiched between her perfect older brother and her cutie pie younger sister. Her life is not easy. But the author makes it funny to read about Abbie’s challenges. She turns Abbie’s frustrations into funny stories that all kids will recognize: challenging teachers, mean next door neighbors, grumpy old people who don’t understand you: it is all here. And bonus, it is an easy read, too! Actually, despite the subject – middle school – the book might really be more suited to an elementary school kid like me. I read this book in one day. If you like light hearted comedy this book is a must read. I really enjoyed it!
Anica B., Grade 4
A lttle weightier than her first YA novel. Buxbaum continues to deal with grief, but also adds in other elements that raise this story to something more. With a wonderfully diverse cast of characters (Kit is half Indian and David is on the autism spectrum), this dual POV novel is not only full of heart but something really special.
Grace Radford
Okay, big disclaimer, I’m the middle kid in my family – just like the main character in this book. So yeah – I liked this book. But even if you are not a middle kid, that does not mean you won’t like this book, because everybody has experienced bad frazzled days. Abbie Wu, the main character, is going though middle school sandwiched between her perfect older brother and her cutie pie younger sister. Her life is not easy. But the author makes it funny to read about Abbie’s challenges. She turns Abbie’s frustrations into funny stories that all kids will recognize: challenging teachers, mean next door neighbors, grumpy old people who don’t understand you: it is all here. And bonus, it is an easy read, too! Actually, despite the subject – middle school – the book might really be more suited to an elementary school kid like me. I read this book in one day. If you like light hearted comedy this book is a must read. I really enjoyed it!
Anica B., Grade 4
Intriguing! I thought I knew all about what happened with what the Nazis did to the Jewish people, but this tells a story about a Ukrainian girl, Lida, who is captured by Nazis. There are so many sad, scary, happy, and relieving parts. And it will make you think about what you would do. I give it 5 stars!
Ava
5th Grade
Told entirely from a dog's point of view, this is a story that gives an unbiased look at nonverbal autism for a younger audience. While it doesn't go into extensive detail and includes some fantastical elements (the dog seems to be able to "talk" to a few people, it's still an excellent place to start for younger kids with an autistic sibling, and should definitely be included in every school library.
Grace Radford
Once Upon a Teen Reader
I found The Book Jumper to be intriguing. I simply loved journeying with Amy Lennoc to the book world, and found it riveting when she was on the hunt for the thief. This is a tale of mystery worthy of Sherlock Holmes. I would sell my soul to be able to jump into the books Ilove, and I'm sure every child and adult who reads this masterpiece of fun will enjoy it as much as I did.
local young reader - Frannie