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The Boy With Video Game Powers
R.L. Ullman
2024 Finalist
152 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Hop on for an action-packed fantasy adventure with R.L. Ullman's The Boy With Video Game Powers. Milo Garret is excited to start sixth grade at the prestigious Empire City Magnet School. However, he also wants to keep his spot as the top-ranked player in the online Ranger's Quest video game. After acquiring the ultra-rare Glitch Ring in the game, Milo is shocked to see it appearing on his finger. Additionally, he starts seeing character attributes of Ranger Quest floating over people's heads in real life. He meets an NPC named Greylore, who tells him that the Demons of Havoc from an alternate reality called the Gameverse have entered Milo's world, and he must stop them from acquiring the three Keys of Convergence. Using his new video game powers as Pixel Man, Milo must now save the world.
Gamers and progression fantasy fans will absolutely love this book. R.L. Ullman takes readers on an absorbing and adventurous ride featuring a potent combination of thrilling action sequences, mystery, and a healthy dose of magic that you don't want to end. Ullman's characters are likable and easy to root for. Milo is the type of protagonist readers will want to see succeed. He resembles many real-life preteen gamers who love to indulge in multiplayer online role-playing games. Like other progression fantasy stories, Milo acquires new abilities after completing each task and beating the Demon Spawn. There is a shocking twist toward the end that I can honestly say I didn't see coming. In conclusion, The Boy With Video Game Powers is a fantastic book for young readers.
Hop on for an action-packed fantasy adventure with R.L. Ullman's The Boy With Video Game Powers. Milo Garret is excited to start sixth grade at the prestigious Empire City Magnet School. However, he also wants to keep his spot as the top-ranked player in the online Ranger's Quest video game. After acquiring the ultra-rare Glitch Ring in the game, Milo is shocked to see it appearing on his finger. Additionally, he starts seeing character attributes of Ranger Quest floating over people's heads in real life. He meets an NPC named Greylore, who tells him that the Demons of Havoc from an alternate reality called the Gameverse have entered Milo's world, and he must stop them from acquiring the three Keys of Convergence. Using his new video game powers as Pixel Man, Milo must now save the world.
Gamers and progression fantasy fans will absolutely love this book. R.L. Ullman takes readers on an absorbing and adventurous ride featuring a potent combination of thrilling action sequences, mystery, and a healthy dose of magic that you don't want to end. Ullman's characters are likable and easy to root for. Milo is the type of protagonist readers will want to see succeed. He resembles many real-life preteen gamers who love to indulge in multiplayer online role-playing games. Like other progression fantasy stories, Milo acquires new abilities after completing each task and beating the Demon Spawn. There is a shocking twist toward the end that I can honestly say I didn't see coming. In conclusion, The Boy With Video Game Powers is a fantastic book for young readers.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-legendary-mo-seto&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41wZOiWm69L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Being a kid can be rough, but it can also be a beautiful time of exploration and self-discovery. The Legendary Mo Seto by A.Y. Chan chronicles the adventures of charming 12-year-old Modesty Seto. Mo is passionate about taekwondo and idolizes Cody Kwok, a martial arts movie star. However, being a kid also comes with unexpected challenges, and "baggy...){kind=link}
The Legendary Mo Seto
A. Y. Chan
2024 Honorable Mention
320 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite
Being a kid can be rough, but it can also be a beautiful time of exploration and self-discovery. The Legendary Mo Seto by A.Y. Chan chronicles the adventures of charming 12-year-old Modesty Seto. Mo is passionate about taekwondo and idolizes Cody Kwok, a martial arts movie star. However, being a kid also comes with unexpected challenges, and "baggy-shirt-unbrushed-hair-can’t-sit-still" Mo experiences a series of events that disrupt her not-so-normal life. Her father leaves under puzzling circumstances, and she discovers a mysterious old book of his with many secrets. Meanwhile, Cody Kwok is looking for a new protege to star in his movies with him. Mo answers the casting call, only to find that her lifelong nemesis, Dax, has done the same. As events spiral out of control and danger looms, Mo discovers that strength is not only the prerogative of the body but also of the heart.
The Legendary Mo Seto by A.Y. Chan is a great book perfect for kids in the 9-12-year age group. It is also a delightful read, and I enjoyed it thoroughly, even though I haven't been in that target age group since the Triassic period. Sure, the plot is exceptional and focuses on self-worth, a touch of mystery, action, and friendship, but what truly stands out about this novel is that it's a fun read. The character development is fantastic, and the young protagonist, Mo, reminded me of someone I hold dear. Secondary characters, from Nacho to Cody, are well-rounded and believable, and even the adults are pretty cool. With a well-balanced and riveting story full of humor, adventure, and angst, The Legendary Mo Seto is a wonderful novel for today's youth.
Being a kid can be rough, but it can also be a beautiful time of exploration and self-discovery. The Legendary Mo Seto by A.Y. Chan chronicles the adventures of charming 12-year-old Modesty Seto. Mo is passionate about taekwondo and idolizes Cody Kwok, a martial arts movie star. However, being a kid also comes with unexpected challenges, and "baggy-shirt-unbrushed-hair-can’t-sit-still" Mo experiences a series of events that disrupt her not-so-normal life. Her father leaves under puzzling circumstances, and she discovers a mysterious old book of his with many secrets. Meanwhile, Cody Kwok is looking for a new protege to star in his movies with him. Mo answers the casting call, only to find that her lifelong nemesis, Dax, has done the same. As events spiral out of control and danger looms, Mo discovers that strength is not only the prerogative of the body but also of the heart.
The Legendary Mo Seto by A.Y. Chan is a great book perfect for kids in the 9-12-year age group. It is also a delightful read, and I enjoyed it thoroughly, even though I haven't been in that target age group since the Triassic period. Sure, the plot is exceptional and focuses on self-worth, a touch of mystery, action, and friendship, but what truly stands out about this novel is that it's a fun read. The character development is fantastic, and the young protagonist, Mo, reminded me of someone I hold dear. Secondary characters, from Nacho to Cody, are well-rounded and believable, and even the adults are pretty cool. With a well-balanced and riveting story full of humor, adventure, and angst, The Legendary Mo Seto is a wonderful novel for today's youth.
Recommend this book:
Robbie Larson's Legendary Snow Day
David Towner
2024 Bronze Medal
88 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
In the riveting coming-of-age story, Robbie Larson's Legendary Snow Day by David Towner, legendary pirates, and enchanting backdrops are brought to vivid life through a young boy’s powerful imagination. Davey and Robbie are excited when their school is given a snow day. Davey’s excitement is tempered by the realization that he will have to bring Robbie along to dig a system of snow tunnels with his friends. As the group embarks on their long-awaited mission, Robbie discovers an opening to another world. Suddenly, the characters in his pirate-themed video game become real and he comes face to face with Blackbeard, the famous pirate. Meanwhile, the boys' older sister is afraid of what might have happened to her brothers who she should have been watching. As they all unite, they devise a way to return home.
This engrossing story will transport readers to a gripping world with fascinating characters and unforgettable adventures. Towner brilliantly explores sibling relationships, crafting lifelike characters and engaging scenes. I loved that the story explores essential themes about cooperation and teamwork that the target audience will learn from. The story also inspires imagination and will help young readers develop problem-solving skills. The story is full of suspense and I found the children’s adventures intriguing from the start to the end. Robbie is a relatable and authentic main character. A delightful, exhilarating story that includes amazing characters and relevant themes, Robbie Larson's Legendary Snow Day by David Towner is a wonderful book for young readers.
In the riveting coming-of-age story, Robbie Larson's Legendary Snow Day by David Towner, legendary pirates, and enchanting backdrops are brought to vivid life through a young boy’s powerful imagination. Davey and Robbie are excited when their school is given a snow day. Davey’s excitement is tempered by the realization that he will have to bring Robbie along to dig a system of snow tunnels with his friends. As the group embarks on their long-awaited mission, Robbie discovers an opening to another world. Suddenly, the characters in his pirate-themed video game become real and he comes face to face with Blackbeard, the famous pirate. Meanwhile, the boys' older sister is afraid of what might have happened to her brothers who she should have been watching. As they all unite, they devise a way to return home.
This engrossing story will transport readers to a gripping world with fascinating characters and unforgettable adventures. Towner brilliantly explores sibling relationships, crafting lifelike characters and engaging scenes. I loved that the story explores essential themes about cooperation and teamwork that the target audience will learn from. The story also inspires imagination and will help young readers develop problem-solving skills. The story is full of suspense and I found the children’s adventures intriguing from the start to the end. Robbie is a relatable and authentic main character. A delightful, exhilarating story that includes amazing characters and relevant themes, Robbie Larson's Legendary Snow Day by David Towner is a wonderful book for young readers.
Recommend this book:
Kris & The Pirates
The Adventures of Kris
Art J Blegen
2024 Silver Medal
95 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Samantha Dewitt (Rivera) for Readers' Favorite
A good book can pull you into the story so that you feel as if it’s all about you. When Kris opens a new pirate adventure in Kris & The Pirates by Art Blegen, Kris inserts herself in the pages of her story, and with her new friend James, they convince the captain of their ship to land on a small island slightly out of their way. But what they find there is nothing but trouble because this island is home to pirates. When the entire crew finds themselves captured, it’s up to Kris to save them, if she can manage it on her own. The animals on the island are all willing to help, but it might take some time before she can defeat the pirates and save the crew.
If you’re looking for an adventure story that will have kids racing through the jungle and fighting pirates, you’re in the right place with Kris & The Pirates by Art Blegen. The author uses words that fit the target audience. The author also moves the story along at a reasonable pace. The action scenes are fun and vibrant with each of the characters playing a part in achieving the end goal. Each character is interesting and young readers will feel connected to and excited about them. No matter where Kris turns, there’s someone to help her out. The author helps young readers experience what’s happening by creating believable characters and realistic descriptions of the scenery. Overall, this is a book about overcoming fear and achieving goals with the help of friends. It’s well-written and fun, and it shows kids how they can really immerse themselves in a book and feel as if they’re jumping right into the story.
A good book can pull you into the story so that you feel as if it’s all about you. When Kris opens a new pirate adventure in Kris & The Pirates by Art Blegen, Kris inserts herself in the pages of her story, and with her new friend James, they convince the captain of their ship to land on a small island slightly out of their way. But what they find there is nothing but trouble because this island is home to pirates. When the entire crew finds themselves captured, it’s up to Kris to save them, if she can manage it on her own. The animals on the island are all willing to help, but it might take some time before she can defeat the pirates and save the crew.
If you’re looking for an adventure story that will have kids racing through the jungle and fighting pirates, you’re in the right place with Kris & The Pirates by Art Blegen. The author uses words that fit the target audience. The author also moves the story along at a reasonable pace. The action scenes are fun and vibrant with each of the characters playing a part in achieving the end goal. Each character is interesting and young readers will feel connected to and excited about them. No matter where Kris turns, there’s someone to help her out. The author helps young readers experience what’s happening by creating believable characters and realistic descriptions of the scenery. Overall, this is a book about overcoming fear and achieving goals with the help of friends. It’s well-written and fun, and it shows kids how they can really immerse themselves in a book and feel as if they’re jumping right into the story.
Recommend this book:
The Roll-Away Pumpkin
Junia Wonders
2024 Gold Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Christine Nguyen for Readers' Favorite
The Roll-Away Pumpkin by Junia Wonders is a children’s book about an orange pumpkin rollicking and rolling down through a quaint town on a windy autumn day. Marla Little, the owner, is chasing her runaway pumpkin as it bounces happily away. The pumpkin catches the attention of the various townspeople who come together to help Marla. The farmer, the baker, the milkman, the butcher, the parade marchers, and finally the chef all become involved in the merry dash to stop the pumpkin from rolling further along. Everyone in the community joins in the fun and adventure as they get a surprise feast at the end.
Author Junia Wonders crafts an utterly charming and winsome story that encapsulates the very essence of autumn without making Halloween the main focus of the book. The easy-to-understand storyline is enhanced by the stunning beauty of the illustrations by Daniela Volpari. The palette of subdued colors is brilliantly blended to create a visual masterpiece that sets this book apart. The reader can pause with their little ones to admire and start a fun discussion about each colorful scene, prompting their child to engage in a lively dialogue to enhance their thinking skills. Two phrases that are fun to remember and say out loud are continuously repeated throughout the book to further help young children develop their reading skills. The Roll-Away Pumpkin is certain to become a children’s classic for all ages as the story and artwork perfectly combine to evoke the magic of fall.
The Roll-Away Pumpkin by Junia Wonders is a children’s book about an orange pumpkin rollicking and rolling down through a quaint town on a windy autumn day. Marla Little, the owner, is chasing her runaway pumpkin as it bounces happily away. The pumpkin catches the attention of the various townspeople who come together to help Marla. The farmer, the baker, the milkman, the butcher, the parade marchers, and finally the chef all become involved in the merry dash to stop the pumpkin from rolling further along. Everyone in the community joins in the fun and adventure as they get a surprise feast at the end.
Author Junia Wonders crafts an utterly charming and winsome story that encapsulates the very essence of autumn without making Halloween the main focus of the book. The easy-to-understand storyline is enhanced by the stunning beauty of the illustrations by Daniela Volpari. The palette of subdued colors is brilliantly blended to create a visual masterpiece that sets this book apart. The reader can pause with their little ones to admire and start a fun discussion about each colorful scene, prompting their child to engage in a lively dialogue to enhance their thinking skills. Two phrases that are fun to remember and say out loud are continuously repeated throughout the book to further help young children develop their reading skills. The Roll-Away Pumpkin is certain to become a children’s classic for all ages as the story and artwork perfectly combine to evoke the magic of fall.
Recommend this book:
FastFlight 540: Bump in the Night (Book 1)
M. M. Mesldorf
2023 Finalist
316 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
FastFlight 540 is the first book of the Bump in the Night series by M.M. Mesldorf. Wishing to help her friend Tucker Sullivan escape the cruel misery of Whippoorwill Children's Home, Anslie Dawn takes over his identity and arrives at the ancient orphanage of Nocturnan. On her very first night at her new home, she meets Xander Bump, the mysterious leader of a group of boys named the Mighty Men. The Mighty Men have a fierce rivalry with the Nighthawks, with whom they play the Garden Game for control over the nine gardens of Nocturnan. Anslie soon realizes that there is more to Xander than meets the eye when he disappears one day to fight in the Shadow Wars after his father's death. In the absence of Xander, can Anslie rise up and help the orphans of Nocturnan?
A fantasy adventure tale for children and young adults alike, FastFlight 540 is a stellar start to the Bump in the Night series. Author M.M. Mesldorf's novel follows the story of Anslie Dawn, a young girl who must navigate the bittersweet realities of her life amidst circumstances beyond her control. Full of heart, humor, and heroics, the narrative pulls you in from the first page, and you struggle to put it down until you've finished reading the book. Anslie and Xander have undeniable chemistry, and Anslie's scenes with the Mighty Men were some of my favorites from the novel. If you're itching for an exciting fantasy adventure tale, FastFlight 540 is the book for you.
FastFlight 540 is the first book of the Bump in the Night series by M.M. Mesldorf. Wishing to help her friend Tucker Sullivan escape the cruel misery of Whippoorwill Children's Home, Anslie Dawn takes over his identity and arrives at the ancient orphanage of Nocturnan. On her very first night at her new home, she meets Xander Bump, the mysterious leader of a group of boys named the Mighty Men. The Mighty Men have a fierce rivalry with the Nighthawks, with whom they play the Garden Game for control over the nine gardens of Nocturnan. Anslie soon realizes that there is more to Xander than meets the eye when he disappears one day to fight in the Shadow Wars after his father's death. In the absence of Xander, can Anslie rise up and help the orphans of Nocturnan?
A fantasy adventure tale for children and young adults alike, FastFlight 540 is a stellar start to the Bump in the Night series. Author M.M. Mesldorf's novel follows the story of Anslie Dawn, a young girl who must navigate the bittersweet realities of her life amidst circumstances beyond her control. Full of heart, humor, and heroics, the narrative pulls you in from the first page, and you struggle to put it down until you've finished reading the book. Anslie and Xander have undeniable chemistry, and Anslie's scenes with the Mighty Men were some of my favorites from the novel. If you're itching for an exciting fantasy adventure tale, FastFlight 540 is the book for you.
Recommend this book:
Under the Blue Comet
Book 1 The Comet Kid Chronicles
Tom Hoffman
2023 Honorable Mention
365 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Under the Blue Comet by Tom Hoffman is the first book in The Comet Kid Chronicles, a well-crafted story for fourth to sixth graders. It is filled with adventure and magic. Eleven-year-old Max Underwood’s life changes on his birthday when he becomes conscious of his incredible powers. His parents are not who he has believed them to be, a realization that is eye-opening and disturbing for him. But there is no time to process the mysterious happenings in his life as he and his sister, Grace, are kidnapped by an alien and transported to a dying, dystopian world through a wormhole. The android known as Crystal Father controls this world. Max and his sister are faced with numerous challenges, from the harsh environment to deadly creatures, to aliens, and unforgiving bandits. As they unravel the mystery of the blue comet, they also create friendships with Sophie and Zeus, an eccentric robot. Ultimately, the fate of Earth is in their hands as they mount a standoff against powerful forces.
This is a sweet story, as adventurous as it is entertaining. Max is well-developed, a boy born under a blue comet, who must figure out his mission and who he is while exploring an uncharted alien world with his sister. While the novel is written for young readers, it was a gorgeous read for me, exciting and filled with fun. Tom Hoffman explores themes of adventure, family, friendship, courage, and inclusion in a grand style, showing readers that differences are not an obstacle to finding common ground and working together. There are lessons of teamwork and the message that collaboration with others brings bigger success comes out clearly in the story. The prose is beautiful. The world the author creates is imaginative and exciting to explore. Character development is stellar, and the plot points are equally strong. The humor is plentiful in the story. I enjoyed every bit of Under the Blue Comet, and this is a story with some entertainment for a wider audience than sixth graders.
Under the Blue Comet by Tom Hoffman is the first book in The Comet Kid Chronicles, a well-crafted story for fourth to sixth graders. It is filled with adventure and magic. Eleven-year-old Max Underwood’s life changes on his birthday when he becomes conscious of his incredible powers. His parents are not who he has believed them to be, a realization that is eye-opening and disturbing for him. But there is no time to process the mysterious happenings in his life as he and his sister, Grace, are kidnapped by an alien and transported to a dying, dystopian world through a wormhole. The android known as Crystal Father controls this world. Max and his sister are faced with numerous challenges, from the harsh environment to deadly creatures, to aliens, and unforgiving bandits. As they unravel the mystery of the blue comet, they also create friendships with Sophie and Zeus, an eccentric robot. Ultimately, the fate of Earth is in their hands as they mount a standoff against powerful forces.
This is a sweet story, as adventurous as it is entertaining. Max is well-developed, a boy born under a blue comet, who must figure out his mission and who he is while exploring an uncharted alien world with his sister. While the novel is written for young readers, it was a gorgeous read for me, exciting and filled with fun. Tom Hoffman explores themes of adventure, family, friendship, courage, and inclusion in a grand style, showing readers that differences are not an obstacle to finding common ground and working together. There are lessons of teamwork and the message that collaboration with others brings bigger success comes out clearly in the story. The prose is beautiful. The world the author creates is imaginative and exciting to explore. Character development is stellar, and the plot points are equally strong. The humor is plentiful in the story. I enjoyed every bit of Under the Blue Comet, and this is a story with some entertainment for a wider audience than sixth graders.
Recommend this book:
The Great Cold Queen
A Poppenohna Land Adventure
Carrie Turley, Lara Law
2023 Bronze Medal
324 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Gail H. Scoates for Readers' Favorite
The Great Cold Queen: A Poppenohna Land Adventure by Carrie Turley is the whimsical adventure of Apple Blossom and Murray. Having left their village over forty years ago, these friendly little gnomes find themselves on quite an escapade. The lure of the apples draws them into a glade, just outside Poppenohna, and to the Tickletoes River. Once there, they embark on a mission to save the glade. Meeting talking animals along the way, they find new friends who assist them. They meet Button, Roxie, and Rue, the butterfly fairies. They meet talking beavers, squirrels, and mischievous raccoons, as well as workers from the underground in the form of Loden, Eckil, and Gwendolyn who are assigned to grow and protect the forest and glade.
The Great Cold Queen is an engaging and fanciful story of looking for adventure and meeting fascinating characters on the journey. Bits of The Hobbit, Narnia, and other fantasy stories are rolled into Carrie Turley’s lovely book. For those of us who love fantasies, it’s a tale you won’t want to put down. Being an animal lover, I enjoyed the funny and delightful conversations between the talking creatures. It continued to engage me on every page. The illustrations by Lara Law provide delightful images of the characters in the story. The journey is a familiar one, where helping others is a good thing, and the courage to keep moving toward the light is a mutual goal. I highly recommend this book to young and old who love an adventure where good prevails.
The Great Cold Queen: A Poppenohna Land Adventure by Carrie Turley is the whimsical adventure of Apple Blossom and Murray. Having left their village over forty years ago, these friendly little gnomes find themselves on quite an escapade. The lure of the apples draws them into a glade, just outside Poppenohna, and to the Tickletoes River. Once there, they embark on a mission to save the glade. Meeting talking animals along the way, they find new friends who assist them. They meet Button, Roxie, and Rue, the butterfly fairies. They meet talking beavers, squirrels, and mischievous raccoons, as well as workers from the underground in the form of Loden, Eckil, and Gwendolyn who are assigned to grow and protect the forest and glade.
The Great Cold Queen is an engaging and fanciful story of looking for adventure and meeting fascinating characters on the journey. Bits of The Hobbit, Narnia, and other fantasy stories are rolled into Carrie Turley’s lovely book. For those of us who love fantasies, it’s a tale you won’t want to put down. Being an animal lover, I enjoyed the funny and delightful conversations between the talking creatures. It continued to engage me on every page. The illustrations by Lara Law provide delightful images of the characters in the story. The journey is a familiar one, where helping others is a good thing, and the courage to keep moving toward the light is a mutual goal. I highly recommend this book to young and old who love an adventure where good prevails.
Recommend this book:
Olly & The Spores of Oak Hill
Glenn John Somodi
2023 Silver Medal
273 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
The death of Oren Appleton was puzzling to all. How could he die from a hit-and-run on an uphill road? Why did someone place clover leaves around his head instead of informing anyone about the accident? Soon afterward, Oren’s beloved grandson, Olly, moves to Littleton with his parents. He immediately becomes friends with Ember but also makes himself a target of the school bullies. Olly discovers that Oak Hill has a closely guarded secret that cannot be divulged to the world. With Henry Dalton trying to acquire Oak Hill to develop a shopping mall, Olly and Ember realize they must protect this place at all costs. Will they succeed in their mission? Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill by Glenn John Somodi will answer that question.
Although primarily geared at tweens, this story could be equally enjoyed by readers of all ages. I loved Olly’s character and rooted for him the entire time. A self-proclaimed geek, he embraced his so-called ‘geekiness’ and reveled in his achievements. While he was wary of the bullies and avoided unnecessary altercations, he nevertheless held his own in a fight. I admired his love for nature and animals, which was also the principal theme of this novel. Through Dalton’s character, Glenn John Somodi showed how greed and corruption could alienate us from nature. However, Olly, Ember, and their special friends devise ingenious ways to protect their homestead, making this novel full of fun adventures. Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill is a promising start to a brand-new and engaging series.
The death of Oren Appleton was puzzling to all. How could he die from a hit-and-run on an uphill road? Why did someone place clover leaves around his head instead of informing anyone about the accident? Soon afterward, Oren’s beloved grandson, Olly, moves to Littleton with his parents. He immediately becomes friends with Ember but also makes himself a target of the school bullies. Olly discovers that Oak Hill has a closely guarded secret that cannot be divulged to the world. With Henry Dalton trying to acquire Oak Hill to develop a shopping mall, Olly and Ember realize they must protect this place at all costs. Will they succeed in their mission? Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill by Glenn John Somodi will answer that question.
Although primarily geared at tweens, this story could be equally enjoyed by readers of all ages. I loved Olly’s character and rooted for him the entire time. A self-proclaimed geek, he embraced his so-called ‘geekiness’ and reveled in his achievements. While he was wary of the bullies and avoided unnecessary altercations, he nevertheless held his own in a fight. I admired his love for nature and animals, which was also the principal theme of this novel. Through Dalton’s character, Glenn John Somodi showed how greed and corruption could alienate us from nature. However, Olly, Ember, and their special friends devise ingenious ways to protect their homestead, making this novel full of fun adventures. Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill is a promising start to a brand-new and engaging series.
Recommend this book:
Novo the Space Robot
How To Shrink the Doubt Monsters
Charly Froh
2023 Gold Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite
Novo the Space Robot: How to Shrink the Doubt Monsters by Charly Froh is about an anthropomorphic robot from the planet Infinita. The robot and his planet have a big problem because “doubt monsters” have arrived from the planet Worria, causing residents to develop self-doubt. For example, the inhabitants of Infinita now no longer believe they could win robo-races. Some even thought their dog-like friends, called zogs, didn’t love them anymore. Novo was determined that he was going to help his planet. He headed to Earth to find assistance but was followed by the doubt monsters. At first the Earth children Novo contacts don’t respond to his plea to fight the doubt monsters, but later they unite against them. There’s a twist before the monsters get defeated, and even Novo was surprised at how it’s done.
Novo the Space Robot is a charming children’s picture book. One aspect that I especially liked was that the children in the book are much like typical Earth children, making it easy for young readers to identify with them. The book is far more than merely entertaining as it includes an invaluable lesson. Every child, and even their parents and grandparents who read the book to them, can identify with the book’s central premise, which is that it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt. The twist, which provides the ideal way to fight back, helps young readers see that there’s a way to triumph over the plague of self-doubt. Every child deserves to read this book and learn about the power of believing in oneself. Charly Froh wrote a creative, delightful book with a powerful lesson. The artwork by Zuzana Svobodova adds to this enjoyable and enchanting book.
Novo the Space Robot: How to Shrink the Doubt Monsters by Charly Froh is about an anthropomorphic robot from the planet Infinita. The robot and his planet have a big problem because “doubt monsters” have arrived from the planet Worria, causing residents to develop self-doubt. For example, the inhabitants of Infinita now no longer believe they could win robo-races. Some even thought their dog-like friends, called zogs, didn’t love them anymore. Novo was determined that he was going to help his planet. He headed to Earth to find assistance but was followed by the doubt monsters. At first the Earth children Novo contacts don’t respond to his plea to fight the doubt monsters, but later they unite against them. There’s a twist before the monsters get defeated, and even Novo was surprised at how it’s done.
Novo the Space Robot is a charming children’s picture book. One aspect that I especially liked was that the children in the book are much like typical Earth children, making it easy for young readers to identify with them. The book is far more than merely entertaining as it includes an invaluable lesson. Every child, and even their parents and grandparents who read the book to them, can identify with the book’s central premise, which is that it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt. The twist, which provides the ideal way to fight back, helps young readers see that there’s a way to triumph over the plague of self-doubt. Every child deserves to read this book and learn about the power of believing in oneself. Charly Froh wrote a creative, delightful book with a powerful lesson. The artwork by Zuzana Svobodova adds to this enjoyable and enchanting book.
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