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Recommend this book:
Banjo Pickin' Karate Kickin' Crime Fightin' Grandmas
Mike Knudson, Vaughan Duck
2024 Finalist
252 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
Scarlett, Izzy, and Hazel were perfectly ordinary elementary school kids. When the trio wished to punish all the bad guys in the world, they did not imagine that their wish would come true in a most unusual way. As it happened, the lunch ladies passed the girls their hairnets with a secret legacy; the trio would inherit unimaginable superpowers once they donned the nets. But, there was a slight catch; their alter egos would be aged grandmas, deviating from the typical superhero images. Will the friends be happy with their new looks? Can they harness their newfound abilities to catch criminals? Will anyone take three grandmas seriously? Find out in Banjo Pickin’ Karate Kickin’ Crime Fightin’ Grandmas, written by Mike Knudson and illustrated by Vaughan Duck.
I honestly could not decide what I liked best; the hilarious antics of the three friends, the whimsical storyline, or the lively illustrations. From the first page, Knudson took us on a delightful ride. I had to laugh out loud as the trio got into trouble and invented progressively humorous solutions. The humor was evident in every aspect of the story, be it their questionable decisions or the impossible situations in which they kept finding themselves. I loved how Knudson created three unique characters who maintained their quirks even when adopting the alter egos. The illustrations were a powerful addition to the book. I loved Duck’s inclusion of the cast’s appearances at the beginning, which helped us visualize them clearly. Their expressions and poses perfectly conveyed the absurdity of the scenes. The story, albeit light in tone, nonetheless contains a message of body positivity. That the grandmas had superpowers despite their wizened appearances encourages us to look for inner strength, not superficial beauty. When the trio realizes that a lifelong friendship is a more precious gift than stylish clothes or athletic bodies, it is a profound message for readers. Banjo Pickin’ Karate Kickin’ Crime Fightin’ Grandmas is a funny yet wholesome read.
Scarlett, Izzy, and Hazel were perfectly ordinary elementary school kids. When the trio wished to punish all the bad guys in the world, they did not imagine that their wish would come true in a most unusual way. As it happened, the lunch ladies passed the girls their hairnets with a secret legacy; the trio would inherit unimaginable superpowers once they donned the nets. But, there was a slight catch; their alter egos would be aged grandmas, deviating from the typical superhero images. Will the friends be happy with their new looks? Can they harness their newfound abilities to catch criminals? Will anyone take three grandmas seriously? Find out in Banjo Pickin’ Karate Kickin’ Crime Fightin’ Grandmas, written by Mike Knudson and illustrated by Vaughan Duck.
I honestly could not decide what I liked best; the hilarious antics of the three friends, the whimsical storyline, or the lively illustrations. From the first page, Knudson took us on a delightful ride. I had to laugh out loud as the trio got into trouble and invented progressively humorous solutions. The humor was evident in every aspect of the story, be it their questionable decisions or the impossible situations in which they kept finding themselves. I loved how Knudson created three unique characters who maintained their quirks even when adopting the alter egos. The illustrations were a powerful addition to the book. I loved Duck’s inclusion of the cast’s appearances at the beginning, which helped us visualize them clearly. Their expressions and poses perfectly conveyed the absurdity of the scenes. The story, albeit light in tone, nonetheless contains a message of body positivity. That the grandmas had superpowers despite their wizened appearances encourages us to look for inner strength, not superficial beauty. When the trio realizes that a lifelong friendship is a more precious gift than stylish clothes or athletic bodies, it is a profound message for readers. Banjo Pickin’ Karate Kickin’ Crime Fightin’ Grandmas is a funny yet wholesome read.
Recommend this book:
Tessy Turtle
Anna Casamento Arrigo
2024 Honorable Mention
79 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
“I’m Tessy, the Green Sea Turtle, let me be!” Tessy Turtle has a plea for us all to hear. In Anna Casamento Arrigo’s Tessy Turtle, Tessy shares her story and educates us on the fragile life cycle of sea turtles, as well as other turtles. So many things affect the turtles’ survival: raccoons and other predators, humans' relentless pollution, and poaching to use real turtle shells for combs and other ornaments. The list is endless and the result is the decimation of these beautiful creatures. They are now an endangered species and even though there are some protected places where green sea turtles can thrive without fear of being destroyed, more needs to be done. This includes education and action. It’s okay to observe and study the turtles, even take pictures of them, but otherwise, do not touch them!
Anna Casamento Arrigo’s picture book, Tessy Turtle, is an engaging and informative read. Told in rhyming verse, in the first person narrative from Tessy’s point of view, this endearing story will educate young readers about sea turtles and the problems they face just to survive. The language is simple so young readers can easily follow along and improve their reading skills. The important messages are repeated several times to make sure the point is enforced. Young readers will quickly begin to recognize the key catchphrases. The illustrations are bright, bold, and colorful and give the reader a full picture of Tessy’s life as a green sea turtle. Young readers will learn a lot about caring for the environment, as well as the fragile sea turtle. Hopefully, these young readers will be able to educate their elders, too.
“I’m Tessy, the Green Sea Turtle, let me be!” Tessy Turtle has a plea for us all to hear. In Anna Casamento Arrigo’s Tessy Turtle, Tessy shares her story and educates us on the fragile life cycle of sea turtles, as well as other turtles. So many things affect the turtles’ survival: raccoons and other predators, humans' relentless pollution, and poaching to use real turtle shells for combs and other ornaments. The list is endless and the result is the decimation of these beautiful creatures. They are now an endangered species and even though there are some protected places where green sea turtles can thrive without fear of being destroyed, more needs to be done. This includes education and action. It’s okay to observe and study the turtles, even take pictures of them, but otherwise, do not touch them!
Anna Casamento Arrigo’s picture book, Tessy Turtle, is an engaging and informative read. Told in rhyming verse, in the first person narrative from Tessy’s point of view, this endearing story will educate young readers about sea turtles and the problems they face just to survive. The language is simple so young readers can easily follow along and improve their reading skills. The important messages are repeated several times to make sure the point is enforced. Young readers will quickly begin to recognize the key catchphrases. The illustrations are bright, bold, and colorful and give the reader a full picture of Tessy’s life as a green sea turtle. Young readers will learn a lot about caring for the environment, as well as the fragile sea turtle. Hopefully, these young readers will be able to educate their elders, too.
Recommend this book:
The Reaper's Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul!
Charles Byrd
2024 Bronze Medal
170 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Reaper's Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul! by Charles Byrd follows Lyra, a girl training to be a Grim Reaper under the mentorship of Silas. Lyra's eagerness for promotion leads to mishaps, the biggest being the breaking of her lantern, which leaves the soul of a boy named Casper detached, unable to get back into his body or transition to the afterlife. With the pair in the Underworld, chased by Soul Eaters and haunted by actual ghosts, they seek answers about Casper's state and how to fix it. After being told where to go to help Casper, they are forced to navigate the treacherous terrain of the Underworld. Along the way, they're tested in their resolve and ability
not to be separated, and worse. It is also a test for Lyra, as family secrets crush everything she thought she knew about herself and those she trusted most.
In The Reaper's Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul!, Charles Byrd crafts a wonderfully detailed world in The Beyond, where Grim Reapers, and young apprentice Lyra in particular, coexist with supernatural elements like ghost cats and whispering portraits. I loved the journey of Lyra and poor Casper into the Greek Afterlife and the integration of classical mythology with Byrd's own brand of what the afterlife holds to mix it all up with unexpected twists. As far as the writing goes, it is clean and accessible to readers, with standouts to me as an adult being the clever use of metaphors in prose that often sing: "The water embraced me like the cold hands of death itself, swallowing me in its cool darkness." I loved these physical descriptions with themes of death and the overall balance of haunting elements with humor, ensuring the fear factor never overwhelms and instead transforms the tale into an adventurous journey. Very highly recommended.
The Reaper's Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul! by Charles Byrd follows Lyra, a girl training to be a Grim Reaper under the mentorship of Silas. Lyra's eagerness for promotion leads to mishaps, the biggest being the breaking of her lantern, which leaves the soul of a boy named Casper detached, unable to get back into his body or transition to the afterlife. With the pair in the Underworld, chased by Soul Eaters and haunted by actual ghosts, they seek answers about Casper's state and how to fix it. After being told where to go to help Casper, they are forced to navigate the treacherous terrain of the Underworld. Along the way, they're tested in their resolve and ability
not to be separated, and worse. It is also a test for Lyra, as family secrets crush everything she thought she knew about herself and those she trusted most.
In The Reaper's Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul!, Charles Byrd crafts a wonderfully detailed world in The Beyond, where Grim Reapers, and young apprentice Lyra in particular, coexist with supernatural elements like ghost cats and whispering portraits. I loved the journey of Lyra and poor Casper into the Greek Afterlife and the integration of classical mythology with Byrd's own brand of what the afterlife holds to mix it all up with unexpected twists. As far as the writing goes, it is clean and accessible to readers, with standouts to me as an adult being the clever use of metaphors in prose that often sing: "The water embraced me like the cold hands of death itself, swallowing me in its cool darkness." I loved these physical descriptions with themes of death and the overall balance of haunting elements with humor, ensuring the fear factor never overwhelms and instead transforms the tale into an adventurous journey. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire
Secret Rock Aftershock
Tracy Borgmeyer
2024 Silver Medal
198 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire: Secret Rock Aftershock is a fantastic adventure-filled book. Penned by Tracy Borgmeyer, it provides a fun, engaging, and informative way for children to learn about science and rocks. Halley Harper, a ten-year-old science girl, is on a live TV show. Halley is a science toy tester for a popular science magazine and loves doing science experiments. She even dares to do one on live TV. Halley isn't happy to learn that she is about to have a few more responsibilities, starting with watching her nosy six-year-old brother. But after a few unfortunate events, Halley looks forward to returning to Camp Eureka and having fun. However, the worst news is yet to come. Her father announces that there will be a big change for their family. Will Halley accept the change? Will she still enjoy Camp Eureka, or is another change coming?
Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire takes young readers on a thrilling journey filled with exciting twists and turns, adventures, friendship, and discoveries. It is entertaining and educational at the same time and leaves children eager to learn more about science experiments, rocks, fossils, and rock jokes. This story helps kids deal with growing up, disappointment, and change. It's fun to read aloud and will surely entertain children and adults alike. Tracy Borgmeyer's story ignites curiosity and passion for science and exploration in young readers. Like the other books in the series, this story also contains experiments kids can try at home. This is a must-have for every kid's library, especially if they're interested in science or rocks.
Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire: Secret Rock Aftershock is a fantastic adventure-filled book. Penned by Tracy Borgmeyer, it provides a fun, engaging, and informative way for children to learn about science and rocks. Halley Harper, a ten-year-old science girl, is on a live TV show. Halley is a science toy tester for a popular science magazine and loves doing science experiments. She even dares to do one on live TV. Halley isn't happy to learn that she is about to have a few more responsibilities, starting with watching her nosy six-year-old brother. But after a few unfortunate events, Halley looks forward to returning to Camp Eureka and having fun. However, the worst news is yet to come. Her father announces that there will be a big change for their family. Will Halley accept the change? Will she still enjoy Camp Eureka, or is another change coming?
Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire takes young readers on a thrilling journey filled with exciting twists and turns, adventures, friendship, and discoveries. It is entertaining and educational at the same time and leaves children eager to learn more about science experiments, rocks, fossils, and rock jokes. This story helps kids deal with growing up, disappointment, and change. It's fun to read aloud and will surely entertain children and adults alike. Tracy Borgmeyer's story ignites curiosity and passion for science and exploration in young readers. Like the other books in the series, this story also contains experiments kids can try at home. This is a must-have for every kid's library, especially if they're interested in science or rocks.
Recommend this book:
At The Edge Of The Ice
Eco Warriors, book 1
Carolyn Armstrong
2024 Gold Medal
216 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
At The Edge Of The Ice is penned by author Carolyn Armstrong in the adventure, climate fiction, and animal life subgenres. It is the first book in the Eco Warriors series. The work is intended for independent readers in the 10 to 12 years range. Eleven-year-old Sydney Cabella, known for talking to animals, embarks on a transformative journey with her family to Svalbard, near the North Pole. After a head injury, Sydney discovers she can now understand animals, leading her to communicate with a ringed seal named Ringo. Ringo urgently seeks Sydney's help to address the ecosystem's collapse due to habitat loss and global warming. With just 72 hours left in the Arctic, Sydney and her twin sister Sierra must decipher Ringo's messages and clues to save the environment. As they encounter polar bears and other wildlife, Sydney realizes the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of taking action to protect their habitat.
Author Carolyn Armstrong has crafted an engaging and enjoyable novel that offers a heartfelt eco-adventure highlighting the impact of climate change on habitats and the power of small actions. Sydney's ability to communicate with animals is so well incorporated into the dialogue and narrative style, adding a magical realism element to the story and engaging readers on a personal level in understanding the plight of wildlife in the face of climate change. The book effectively conveys complex environmental issues in a relatable and accessible manner, encouraging children to consider their role in protecting the planet. The pacing and twists of the events retain the reader's interest and excitement from cover to cover. Through Sydney's journey, the narrative emphasizes the significance of empathy, cooperation, and proactive steps in addressing environmental challenges. Overall, At The Edge Of The Ice is an inspiring tale that educates and empowers young readers to become stewards of the Earth, and I would certainly recommend it.
At The Edge Of The Ice is penned by author Carolyn Armstrong in the adventure, climate fiction, and animal life subgenres. It is the first book in the Eco Warriors series. The work is intended for independent readers in the 10 to 12 years range. Eleven-year-old Sydney Cabella, known for talking to animals, embarks on a transformative journey with her family to Svalbard, near the North Pole. After a head injury, Sydney discovers she can now understand animals, leading her to communicate with a ringed seal named Ringo. Ringo urgently seeks Sydney's help to address the ecosystem's collapse due to habitat loss and global warming. With just 72 hours left in the Arctic, Sydney and her twin sister Sierra must decipher Ringo's messages and clues to save the environment. As they encounter polar bears and other wildlife, Sydney realizes the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of taking action to protect their habitat.
Author Carolyn Armstrong has crafted an engaging and enjoyable novel that offers a heartfelt eco-adventure highlighting the impact of climate change on habitats and the power of small actions. Sydney's ability to communicate with animals is so well incorporated into the dialogue and narrative style, adding a magical realism element to the story and engaging readers on a personal level in understanding the plight of wildlife in the face of climate change. The book effectively conveys complex environmental issues in a relatable and accessible manner, encouraging children to consider their role in protecting the planet. The pacing and twists of the events retain the reader's interest and excitement from cover to cover. Through Sydney's journey, the narrative emphasizes the significance of empathy, cooperation, and proactive steps in addressing environmental challenges. Overall, At The Edge Of The Ice is an inspiring tale that educates and empowers young readers to become stewards of the Earth, and I would certainly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Maya Mysun & the World that does not Exist
A Magical Fantasy Adventure
PM Perry
2023 Finalist
259 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
Maya Mysun has always been interested in magic, while her twin Jack has a penchant for science. On their thirteenth birthday, after several dire warnings from unnamed sources, their parents inexplicably disappear. Tommy, Maya’s pet tortoise, turns into a strange being who transports them to a different realm. In a parallel storyline, a streetwise teen named David is taken to a facility that seems otherworldly. How will the twins find David, fight the evil forces, and bring back their parents? Maya Mysun and the World that does not Exist by P.M. Perry is a young adult fantasy novel based on two distinct but interconnected realms - the Siantia, believing in scientific logic, and the Konjiuria, delving into sorcery.
In his book, P.M. Perry has created a whole new fantastical world full of magic tricks, wizards, wraiths, genies, and strange beasts. The trio’s epic adventures take them through numerous hurdles that rigorously test their powers. As the story progresses, they unearth a diabolical conspiracy that plunges them into fierce battles. Unlike many other fantasy stories, Perry doesn’t shun the scientific and technological advances of the modern world but instead allows them to play a prominent role in the novel. Maya Mysun and the World that does not Exist imparts moral lessons to its readers, as Maya repeatedly demonstrates the power of kindness. The trio escapes impossible situations, armed with nothing but scant magical prowess and a strong bond between them. Although the story is geared toward young adults, I would also recommend this magical tale to any adults who appreciate fantasy.
Maya Mysun has always been interested in magic, while her twin Jack has a penchant for science. On their thirteenth birthday, after several dire warnings from unnamed sources, their parents inexplicably disappear. Tommy, Maya’s pet tortoise, turns into a strange being who transports them to a different realm. In a parallel storyline, a streetwise teen named David is taken to a facility that seems otherworldly. How will the twins find David, fight the evil forces, and bring back their parents? Maya Mysun and the World that does not Exist by P.M. Perry is a young adult fantasy novel based on two distinct but interconnected realms - the Siantia, believing in scientific logic, and the Konjiuria, delving into sorcery.
In his book, P.M. Perry has created a whole new fantastical world full of magic tricks, wizards, wraiths, genies, and strange beasts. The trio’s epic adventures take them through numerous hurdles that rigorously test their powers. As the story progresses, they unearth a diabolical conspiracy that plunges them into fierce battles. Unlike many other fantasy stories, Perry doesn’t shun the scientific and technological advances of the modern world but instead allows them to play a prominent role in the novel. Maya Mysun and the World that does not Exist imparts moral lessons to its readers, as Maya repeatedly demonstrates the power of kindness. The trio escapes impossible situations, armed with nothing but scant magical prowess and a strong bond between them. Although the story is geared toward young adults, I would also recommend this magical tale to any adults who appreciate fantasy.
Recommend this book:
Grinza's Orchard
An Enchanted Tale
Leonard I Eckhaus
2023 Honorable Mention
126 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
Grinza's Orchard by Leonard I Eckhaus is an enthralling story about a gypsy family. It follows Grinza Lovell, a gypsy girl born in 1890 in the small village of Cojasca, Romania. When Grinza was five, her parents planted a cherry tree in their front yard and gave it to her as a birthday present. In gypsy tradition, girls marry in their teenage years. The parents must pick a suitor for their daughter and arrange a marriage. At fourteen, Grinza had already turned down a suitor. She wants a strong, handsome husband, but first, she must find a way to get rid of her ugly freckles. At sixteen, her parents tell her that she has one year to find someone and marry or they will arrange a marriage for her. Grinza will soon be forced to sacrifice her most beloved possession, but it will pay off later.
With lovely gentleness, Grinza's Orchard draws children of all ages into the life of a very bright, special gypsy girl. This extraordinary tale offers insights into the magical and occult aspects of Romani culture and traditions. It's a story to be relished. Leonard I Eckhaus has masterfully combined a bit of history with romance and valuable life lessons about love, family, and sacrifices. I fell in love with the quality and rich colors of the illustrations. This story of miracles, loss, revenge, survival, and achieving lifelong dreams is suitable for a middle school audience. It includes fortune tellers, a magical cherry tree, a cherry orchard business, a wise old witch, a spiritual leader, and more.
Grinza's Orchard by Leonard I Eckhaus is an enthralling story about a gypsy family. It follows Grinza Lovell, a gypsy girl born in 1890 in the small village of Cojasca, Romania. When Grinza was five, her parents planted a cherry tree in their front yard and gave it to her as a birthday present. In gypsy tradition, girls marry in their teenage years. The parents must pick a suitor for their daughter and arrange a marriage. At fourteen, Grinza had already turned down a suitor. She wants a strong, handsome husband, but first, she must find a way to get rid of her ugly freckles. At sixteen, her parents tell her that she has one year to find someone and marry or they will arrange a marriage for her. Grinza will soon be forced to sacrifice her most beloved possession, but it will pay off later.
With lovely gentleness, Grinza's Orchard draws children of all ages into the life of a very bright, special gypsy girl. This extraordinary tale offers insights into the magical and occult aspects of Romani culture and traditions. It's a story to be relished. Leonard I Eckhaus has masterfully combined a bit of history with romance and valuable life lessons about love, family, and sacrifices. I fell in love with the quality and rich colors of the illustrations. This story of miracles, loss, revenge, survival, and achieving lifelong dreams is suitable for a middle school audience. It includes fortune tellers, a magical cherry tree, a cherry orchard business, a wise old witch, a spiritual leader, and more.
Recommend this book:
Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire
The Friendship Experiment
Tracy Borgmeyer
2023 Bronze Medal
173 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
Tracy Borgmeyer's Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire: The Friendship Experiment is entertaining and inspiring. Ten-year-old Halley Harper has a great enthusiasm for science. She loves trying out new experiments with her best friend, Gracelyn. But the experiments don't always go as intended. Like last year at a Halloween party at her best friend's house, Halley's Monster Toothpaste experiment went wrong, and she had to go back home even before the party ended. Even worse, she is now forbidden from spending time with Gracelyn. Halley hopes to talk to her friend again during an upcoming summer science camp. But even there, things don't get better as Halley doesn't win at competitions (she likes to win a lot), she loses her diary, which has a treasure map, and worst of all, Gracelyn shows up with a new friend. Oh no!
Including a fun story, fascinating science experiments, and action-packed projects, Tracy Borgmeyer's Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire: The Friendship Experiment is a flavorful and informative adventure for young minds. At Camp Eureka, science meets magic tricks, broken friendships are mended, mistakes turn into crucial learning experiences, and solved mysteries become take-home gifts. It's an ever-engrossing journey to the end (I especially liked the simple-to-try experiments; The Monster Toothpaste was my favorite). Even while integrating the most technical subjects into the story, Borgmeyer applies just the right amount of details that are simple to understand and adds a bouncy feel to the big words to ensure the reader's interest. Whether you are a teacher thinking about adding new science books to the classroom library, a parent looking to inspire a love of science in your young reader or a future scientist, you can never go wrong with this book. And despite being aimed at kids, adults will enjoy it, too.
Tracy Borgmeyer's Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire: The Friendship Experiment is entertaining and inspiring. Ten-year-old Halley Harper has a great enthusiasm for science. She loves trying out new experiments with her best friend, Gracelyn. But the experiments don't always go as intended. Like last year at a Halloween party at her best friend's house, Halley's Monster Toothpaste experiment went wrong, and she had to go back home even before the party ended. Even worse, she is now forbidden from spending time with Gracelyn. Halley hopes to talk to her friend again during an upcoming summer science camp. But even there, things don't get better as Halley doesn't win at competitions (she likes to win a lot), she loses her diary, which has a treasure map, and worst of all, Gracelyn shows up with a new friend. Oh no!
Including a fun story, fascinating science experiments, and action-packed projects, Tracy Borgmeyer's Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire: The Friendship Experiment is a flavorful and informative adventure for young minds. At Camp Eureka, science meets magic tricks, broken friendships are mended, mistakes turn into crucial learning experiences, and solved mysteries become take-home gifts. It's an ever-engrossing journey to the end (I especially liked the simple-to-try experiments; The Monster Toothpaste was my favorite). Even while integrating the most technical subjects into the story, Borgmeyer applies just the right amount of details that are simple to understand and adds a bouncy feel to the big words to ensure the reader's interest. Whether you are a teacher thinking about adding new science books to the classroom library, a parent looking to inspire a love of science in your young reader or a future scientist, you can never go wrong with this book. And despite being aimed at kids, adults will enjoy it, too.
Recommend this book:
Food Fight
Linda B. Davis
2023 Bronze Medal
248 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Starting middle school can be challenging, especially if your differences make you stand out. Ben’s eating habits have been the same since he started school. Lunch consisted of a plain bagel, some pretzels, and two Hershey's Kisses. Nothing wrong with that, except everyone else has something different each day, depending on what the cafeteria offers. Now that he’s in middle school, his same lunch every day makes the new friends notice, and they’re voicing their opinions, causing a conflict between Ben and both old and new friends. Ben once enjoyed being part of an active social circle. Now he’s struggling to keep his cool and not let the teasing get him down. But a person can only take so much. Find out more in Food Fight by Linda B. Davis.
Linda B. Davis’s middle-grade novel, Food Fight, is a simple story with a powerful message about differences. Addressing the complex early teenage years, when young people are starting to test their power as they grow and mature, this story deals with the problematic issues of fitting in and bullying. The story is told in the first person narrative, from Ben’s point of view, giving us a deeper perspective of Ben’s situation and his growing unease, frustration, confusion, and anger. The plot begins on the first day of middle school and the first lunch in the cafeteria with new and old friends. Next, Davis plunges us into the social hierarchy of lunchtime antics, creating a scene that will gradually unravel as tensions build. Finally, it takes an overnight class trip to initiate more positive vibes as Ben struggles to improve his differences and stand out as a unique, strong individual. It is an excellent story for young readers, speaking to all who have suffered unfair circumstances because they’re different. But, then again, we’re all different, aren’t we?
Starting middle school can be challenging, especially if your differences make you stand out. Ben’s eating habits have been the same since he started school. Lunch consisted of a plain bagel, some pretzels, and two Hershey's Kisses. Nothing wrong with that, except everyone else has something different each day, depending on what the cafeteria offers. Now that he’s in middle school, his same lunch every day makes the new friends notice, and they’re voicing their opinions, causing a conflict between Ben and both old and new friends. Ben once enjoyed being part of an active social circle. Now he’s struggling to keep his cool and not let the teasing get him down. But a person can only take so much. Find out more in Food Fight by Linda B. Davis.
Linda B. Davis’s middle-grade novel, Food Fight, is a simple story with a powerful message about differences. Addressing the complex early teenage years, when young people are starting to test their power as they grow and mature, this story deals with the problematic issues of fitting in and bullying. The story is told in the first person narrative, from Ben’s point of view, giving us a deeper perspective of Ben’s situation and his growing unease, frustration, confusion, and anger. The plot begins on the first day of middle school and the first lunch in the cafeteria with new and old friends. Next, Davis plunges us into the social hierarchy of lunchtime antics, creating a scene that will gradually unravel as tensions build. Finally, it takes an overnight class trip to initiate more positive vibes as Ben struggles to improve his differences and stand out as a unique, strong individual. It is an excellent story for young readers, speaking to all who have suffered unfair circumstances because they’re different. But, then again, we’re all different, aren’t we?
Recommend this book:
Louie and the Dictator
Lisa Bournelis
2023 Silver Medal
64 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
Louie may have been many things but he certainly was not dumb. Louie was a highly intelligent young boy. However, there was a bully who constantly followed him at school, back home, and everywhere he went. Unlike most bullies, Louie’s bully could not be seen by anyone. Worst still, it was only Louie who could hear what his bully said. This was so hard for Louie, especially after he was threatened with harsh consequences if he did not do what the bully wanted. Louie’s parents decided to take Louie to a wizard to help him deal with the bully. Will the wizard see Louie’s bully and who exactly is the bully? Will he help Louie beat the bully? Find out more in Louie and the Dictator by Lisa Bournelis.
Lisa Bournelis does a great job creating awareness of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in her book Louie and the Dictator. This is a must-read for every kid, parent, and anyone battling OCD. Bournelis uses short and simple sentences to drive her storyline. Her choice of words served to enlighten me more about OCD. The plot of the story is relevant and perceivable. The characters are wonderfully developed, with each of their traits brought out well. I loved how the author uses introspection to highlight Louie’s struggles. This book made me understand what it feels like to live with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The good news for anyone with OCD is that you can overcome it and that is highlighted in this excellent piece of work.
Louie may have been many things but he certainly was not dumb. Louie was a highly intelligent young boy. However, there was a bully who constantly followed him at school, back home, and everywhere he went. Unlike most bullies, Louie’s bully could not be seen by anyone. Worst still, it was only Louie who could hear what his bully said. This was so hard for Louie, especially after he was threatened with harsh consequences if he did not do what the bully wanted. Louie’s parents decided to take Louie to a wizard to help him deal with the bully. Will the wizard see Louie’s bully and who exactly is the bully? Will he help Louie beat the bully? Find out more in Louie and the Dictator by Lisa Bournelis.
Lisa Bournelis does a great job creating awareness of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in her book Louie and the Dictator. This is a must-read for every kid, parent, and anyone battling OCD. Bournelis uses short and simple sentences to drive her storyline. Her choice of words served to enlighten me more about OCD. The plot of the story is relevant and perceivable. The characters are wonderfully developed, with each of their traits brought out well. I loved how the author uses introspection to highlight Louie’s struggles. This book made me understand what it feels like to live with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The good news for anyone with OCD is that you can overcome it and that is highlighted in this excellent piece of work.
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