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Recommend this book:
Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm
Brave Girls Collection
Kimberly Behre Kenna
2024 Finalist
173 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Afifa Raisa for Readers' Favorite
Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm by Kimberly Behre Kenna is the story of Jett, a traumatized sixth-grader who is tired of the noises inside and around her. She desperately seeks peace, but nothing seems to work out for this troubled girl. Her life takes a different turn the day she unexpectedly meets Sister Gia, a nun with an interesting personality. Sensing Jett’s struggles, Sister Gia recommends a book that Jett may find helpful. Jett decides to get her hands on the book, only to discover that all the copies have disappeared. To make things worse, everyone in her town seems to be reluctant to talk about it. The attempts to silence the author’s voice disturb Jett deeply, and she decides to do what it takes to free it.
Kimberly Behre Kenna’s Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm is a breathtaking book that immediately earned my sympathy for the protagonist. I loved how Kimberly effectively dealt with serious issues like sexual assault and censorship while keeping the book suitable for young readers. I also appreciated the use of symbolism and metaphors which added depth as well as beauty. Right from the beginning, I felt that Kimberly had put her heart and soul into the story, so I was not surprised at all when I learned from the About the Author section that she was inspired by her own experiences to write the story. I would recommend the book to middle-graders as well as older readers.
Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm by Kimberly Behre Kenna is the story of Jett, a traumatized sixth-grader who is tired of the noises inside and around her. She desperately seeks peace, but nothing seems to work out for this troubled girl. Her life takes a different turn the day she unexpectedly meets Sister Gia, a nun with an interesting personality. Sensing Jett’s struggles, Sister Gia recommends a book that Jett may find helpful. Jett decides to get her hands on the book, only to discover that all the copies have disappeared. To make things worse, everyone in her town seems to be reluctant to talk about it. The attempts to silence the author’s voice disturb Jett deeply, and she decides to do what it takes to free it.
Kimberly Behre Kenna’s Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm is a breathtaking book that immediately earned my sympathy for the protagonist. I loved how Kimberly effectively dealt with serious issues like sexual assault and censorship while keeping the book suitable for young readers. I also appreciated the use of symbolism and metaphors which added depth as well as beauty. Right from the beginning, I felt that Kimberly had put her heart and soul into the story, so I was not surprised at all when I learned from the About the Author section that she was inspired by her own experiences to write the story. I would recommend the book to middle-graders as well as older readers.
Recommend this book:
The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol
Jeremy Sherr
2024 Bronze Medal
251 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
There aren't many feelings in the world more scary than having someone with really bad intentions relentlessly follow you for sport. When a gang of bullies nearly catches 11-year-olds Beryl and Carol, they bolt into the last place in the world anyone would want to be—the Forbidden Forest. In February 1982, Tim Marston took a hike into the forest and never came back. Search parties combed through the woods for months, but no one could find a trace of Tim. Since then, no one dared go beyond the forest's tree line except today when Beryl and Carol did. But as circumstances edge the two best friends deeper and deeper into the dark woods, they come to a large, magical clearing. The girls agree to keep the garden a secret, to visit only when no one's looking their way. But something terrible threatens to turn their lovely little village into a ghost town in a few months. When Beryl and Carol discover a buried rusty tobacco tin with a letter from Tim Marston inside, mentioning a treasure hidden somewhere in the forest, the two young minds hope there might be a chance to save their homes. Is there a lost treasure sitting in the woods? What happened to Tim? Dive into Jeremy Sherr's The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol to find out.
Whether you're 10 or 80, this award-winning story will enthrall you to the last word. It's a real page-turner! The plot is fast-paced, and the author did a fantastic job of coordinating the non-stop action and suspense. Sherr's apt descriptions and lively dialogues transport you into the unfolding narrative, where you can almost sense the decaying forest floor and hear the river bubbling in the distance. The characters are marvelous. I rooted for Beryl and Carol. These two BFFs have been together forever. They are fearless in protecting each other, quite resilient in their tactics against adversity, and smart with their minds always swirling with ideas and possibilities. The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol is a special find in which a dangerous turn into uncharted depths becomes the luckiest of events. You'll really enjoy this adventure!
There aren't many feelings in the world more scary than having someone with really bad intentions relentlessly follow you for sport. When a gang of bullies nearly catches 11-year-olds Beryl and Carol, they bolt into the last place in the world anyone would want to be—the Forbidden Forest. In February 1982, Tim Marston took a hike into the forest and never came back. Search parties combed through the woods for months, but no one could find a trace of Tim. Since then, no one dared go beyond the forest's tree line except today when Beryl and Carol did. But as circumstances edge the two best friends deeper and deeper into the dark woods, they come to a large, magical clearing. The girls agree to keep the garden a secret, to visit only when no one's looking their way. But something terrible threatens to turn their lovely little village into a ghost town in a few months. When Beryl and Carol discover a buried rusty tobacco tin with a letter from Tim Marston inside, mentioning a treasure hidden somewhere in the forest, the two young minds hope there might be a chance to save their homes. Is there a lost treasure sitting in the woods? What happened to Tim? Dive into Jeremy Sherr's The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol to find out.
Whether you're 10 or 80, this award-winning story will enthrall you to the last word. It's a real page-turner! The plot is fast-paced, and the author did a fantastic job of coordinating the non-stop action and suspense. Sherr's apt descriptions and lively dialogues transport you into the unfolding narrative, where you can almost sense the decaying forest floor and hear the river bubbling in the distance. The characters are marvelous. I rooted for Beryl and Carol. These two BFFs have been together forever. They are fearless in protecting each other, quite resilient in their tactics against adversity, and smart with their minds always swirling with ideas and possibilities. The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol is a special find in which a dangerous turn into uncharted depths becomes the luckiest of events. You'll really enjoy this adventure!
Recommend this book:
Just Like Click
Sandy Grubb
2024 Silver Medal
188 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Afifa Raisa for Readers' Favorite
Just Like Click by Sandy Grubb is the story of Nick, an eleven-year-old obsessed with superheroes. Nick's parents want him to ace tests, be a star player, and make friends his age. Nick prefers to stay on his own and work on his creation, The Adventure of Click, a superhero comic. When a series of lumber thefts makes his father lose his job, they are forced to leave Black Butte Ranch, the place Nick has always called home. With just a week left before relocating, Nick sneaks out every night to help people and animals, just like Click, his superhero. He has other concerns, however. If he leaves the ranch, there will be no one to look after the old people he helps, and he is clueless about what to do with the money Great-Gramp has left behind with him. He also longs for his parents' approval. While working on others’ problems, can he solve his own?
Sandy Grubb’s Just Like Click is a reminder that not all heroes wear a cape. Nick has a heart of gold, and I love this character. The way he always prioritizes the welfare of others despite being so young is mind-blowing. I also like how Great-Gramp remains present in Nick’s thoughts throughout the story despite not being alive; this clearly shows the depth of the bond these two characters shared in the past. Sandy did a good job with the portrayal of the conflict between Nick’s passions and the expectations of his parents, and I think many readers will be able to relate to it. I would recommend this book to children aged 8–10.
Just Like Click by Sandy Grubb is the story of Nick, an eleven-year-old obsessed with superheroes. Nick's parents want him to ace tests, be a star player, and make friends his age. Nick prefers to stay on his own and work on his creation, The Adventure of Click, a superhero comic. When a series of lumber thefts makes his father lose his job, they are forced to leave Black Butte Ranch, the place Nick has always called home. With just a week left before relocating, Nick sneaks out every night to help people and animals, just like Click, his superhero. He has other concerns, however. If he leaves the ranch, there will be no one to look after the old people he helps, and he is clueless about what to do with the money Great-Gramp has left behind with him. He also longs for his parents' approval. While working on others’ problems, can he solve his own?
Sandy Grubb’s Just Like Click is a reminder that not all heroes wear a cape. Nick has a heart of gold, and I love this character. The way he always prioritizes the welfare of others despite being so young is mind-blowing. I also like how Great-Gramp remains present in Nick’s thoughts throughout the story despite not being alive; this clearly shows the depth of the bond these two characters shared in the past. Sandy did a good job with the portrayal of the conflict between Nick’s passions and the expectations of his parents, and I think many readers will be able to relate to it. I would recommend this book to children aged 8–10.
Recommend this book:
The Phantom Firefighter
First Responder
J.W. Jarvis
2024 Gold Medal
200 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
The Phantom Firefighter: First Responder is a middle-grade novel by J.W. Jarvis. Noah loves video games and spending time with his father. After eating out one night, Noah and his father stumble across a bookstore they hadn’t noticed previously. Noah selects a children’s book with an unconventional cover, and he and his father read it at home. As their interest in the story grows, they find themselves mentally and physically immersed in the world of Zach, a firefighter whose adventures lead him into dangerous situations. Noah assumes Zach’s role and his father is a phantom who watches over him. Noah and his father think that their experience is a dream, but Noah finds evidence that Zach and his team are real, and the decisions made in the book seem to affect the outcomes of the incidents. When Noah shares the book with a friend at school, an unexpected turn of events causes a critical situation.
J.W. Jarvis has a knack for providing intellectually stimulating facts throughout this work. From Australian phrases to the degree of detail in his rescue scenes, it’s apparent that the author either drew on his wealth of knowledge or researched the subject extensively. Readers will be engrossed in this magically realistic story as they move along with the fast-paced plot, and the end leaves room for a sequel. With themes of friendship, family, bullying, tenacity, altruism, and humor, The Phantom Firefighter is a book readers won’t want to put down. Even though the protagonist is a preteen, the story would appeal to young adults and more mature audiences as well. Jarvis donates three percent of this book's sales to the First Responders Children’s Foundation, which provides funding for children whose parents are first responders who died while on duty.
The Phantom Firefighter: First Responder is a middle-grade novel by J.W. Jarvis. Noah loves video games and spending time with his father. After eating out one night, Noah and his father stumble across a bookstore they hadn’t noticed previously. Noah selects a children’s book with an unconventional cover, and he and his father read it at home. As their interest in the story grows, they find themselves mentally and physically immersed in the world of Zach, a firefighter whose adventures lead him into dangerous situations. Noah assumes Zach’s role and his father is a phantom who watches over him. Noah and his father think that their experience is a dream, but Noah finds evidence that Zach and his team are real, and the decisions made in the book seem to affect the outcomes of the incidents. When Noah shares the book with a friend at school, an unexpected turn of events causes a critical situation.
J.W. Jarvis has a knack for providing intellectually stimulating facts throughout this work. From Australian phrases to the degree of detail in his rescue scenes, it’s apparent that the author either drew on his wealth of knowledge or researched the subject extensively. Readers will be engrossed in this magically realistic story as they move along with the fast-paced plot, and the end leaves room for a sequel. With themes of friendship, family, bullying, tenacity, altruism, and humor, The Phantom Firefighter is a book readers won’t want to put down. Even though the protagonist is a preteen, the story would appeal to young adults and more mature audiences as well. Jarvis donates three percent of this book's sales to the First Responders Children’s Foundation, which provides funding for children whose parents are first responders who died while on duty.
Recommend this book:
Jeff Pennant's Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents
Kelli McKinney
2023 Finalist
266 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
Jeff Pennant's Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents by Kelli McKinney is charming, fun, and witty. It has lots of heart and personality. The main character is Jeff, who tells how he can't relate to his parents. They tell him one thing and then something different. He feels he's being stifled and misunderstood because he only wants to hang out with his friends. After all, his parents keep telling him to be happy. His personality really shines, and he has a sharp mind and is scientifically inclined, so this is how he deals with life as it comes up. But it doesn't seem to help with the problems he has with his parents, especially his mother. He is grounded, as many kids are, and he tries to sort out how to avoid this so he can go to GamerCon with his best friends. He receives help from the teacher in his science club, and he thinks an instruction manual on how to raise parents would be helpful.
This easy-to-read book will have you engaged from the first few pages. Jeff is an endearing, real, and well-rounded character, from his sometimes-irreverent attitude to his quirky ideas. This is a boy most kids can relate to. Kids often wonder why they can't communicate with their parents at times, and they want to branch out and have fun away from them, but they don’t like getting into trouble. This book would be perfect for a classroom, for parents to buy for their kids, or for kids to buy for their parents. An original gem for any tween-ager. Overall, a delightful story! If you want something fun and adventurous, treat yourself to Jeff Pennant's Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents by Kelli McKinney.
Jeff Pennant's Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents by Kelli McKinney is charming, fun, and witty. It has lots of heart and personality. The main character is Jeff, who tells how he can't relate to his parents. They tell him one thing and then something different. He feels he's being stifled and misunderstood because he only wants to hang out with his friends. After all, his parents keep telling him to be happy. His personality really shines, and he has a sharp mind and is scientifically inclined, so this is how he deals with life as it comes up. But it doesn't seem to help with the problems he has with his parents, especially his mother. He is grounded, as many kids are, and he tries to sort out how to avoid this so he can go to GamerCon with his best friends. He receives help from the teacher in his science club, and he thinks an instruction manual on how to raise parents would be helpful.
This easy-to-read book will have you engaged from the first few pages. Jeff is an endearing, real, and well-rounded character, from his sometimes-irreverent attitude to his quirky ideas. This is a boy most kids can relate to. Kids often wonder why they can't communicate with their parents at times, and they want to branch out and have fun away from them, but they don’t like getting into trouble. This book would be perfect for a classroom, for parents to buy for their kids, or for kids to buy for their parents. An original gem for any tween-ager. Overall, a delightful story! If you want something fun and adventurous, treat yourself to Jeff Pennant's Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents by Kelli McKinney.
Recommend this book:
The Mysterious Pool
Charlene McIver, Zoe Saunders
2023 Honorable Mention
80 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
The Mysterious Pool by Charlene McIver is a delightful story about a group of kids and their scary and fantastic adventures at a creepy mansion. Cosmo, Leigh, and Tara are visiting Cosmo's grandmother's house during a strange night with wind and fog. On their way, they notice a developer's notice board at the front of the property and hear a little mouse talking. Once there, Cosmo's grandma tells them that some pesky developers are trying to buy her beautiful historic property. Shortly after, the children discover a secret room. When their dog starts to speak, Grandma tells them it is because of the hidden pool. The mysterious pool contains a special elixir that gives animals the power to communicate with humans. Yet, this special elixir must remain a secret, as in the wrong hands it may cause harm and mischief to all animals. Thus, the children's mission is to protect Grandma's property and its amazing secret.
Charlene McIver combines beautiful writing, mystery, adventure, magic, and superb black and white and color illustrations by Zoe Saunders in this thrilling story. The Mysterious Pool is engaging, educational, and sometimes chilling. It inspires kids and adults to help and protect our planet. This tale will especially thrill every kid who dreams of understanding and speaking with animals. Through a magic elixir and a special book, children will learn that all animals should be respected and live free from man's restraint. This fantastic story features courageous talking animals and magical elements that will fascinate young minds while fostering a love for animals and Mother Earth.
The Mysterious Pool by Charlene McIver is a delightful story about a group of kids and their scary and fantastic adventures at a creepy mansion. Cosmo, Leigh, and Tara are visiting Cosmo's grandmother's house during a strange night with wind and fog. On their way, they notice a developer's notice board at the front of the property and hear a little mouse talking. Once there, Cosmo's grandma tells them that some pesky developers are trying to buy her beautiful historic property. Shortly after, the children discover a secret room. When their dog starts to speak, Grandma tells them it is because of the hidden pool. The mysterious pool contains a special elixir that gives animals the power to communicate with humans. Yet, this special elixir must remain a secret, as in the wrong hands it may cause harm and mischief to all animals. Thus, the children's mission is to protect Grandma's property and its amazing secret.
Charlene McIver combines beautiful writing, mystery, adventure, magic, and superb black and white and color illustrations by Zoe Saunders in this thrilling story. The Mysterious Pool is engaging, educational, and sometimes chilling. It inspires kids and adults to help and protect our planet. This tale will especially thrill every kid who dreams of understanding and speaking with animals. Through a magic elixir and a special book, children will learn that all animals should be respected and live free from man's restraint. This fantastic story features courageous talking animals and magical elements that will fascinate young minds while fostering a love for animals and Mother Earth.
Recommend this book:
ElsBeth and the Call of the Castle Ghosties
Book III in the Cape Cod Witch Series
J Bean Palmer, Chris Palmer
2023 Honorable Mention
222 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
ElsBeth and the Call of the Castle Ghosties by J Bean Palmer and Chris Palmer is the third book of this series which takes young readers on an adventure to another world. ElsBeth Amelia Thistle is the youngest witch on Cape Cod and that particular day, as she heads toward the sea with her friends Veronica and Lisa Lee, she is gripped with a sense of uneasiness that doesn't seem natural. Once there, they bump into Robert Hillman Jones and his friends. The boys were planning to take Uncle Preston's yacht and sail around the islands. They find themselves caught in the middle of a storm where no one is able to control the yacht. What follows is a series of unexpected events, mystery, and adventure.
The plot has many layers to it which makes it a compelling read. The illustrations are good and they do complement the scenes nicely. The portrayal of all the characters is good and ElsBeth stands for responsibility, fun and intrigue as the story progresses. The narration is detailed and there is something very charming and mysterious about nautical themed stories. As the plot progresses, readers get to know about ElsBeth's cat obsession, being transported to Greenland where she is informed about the plight of polar bears, and also an encounter with porpoises who tell ElsBeth about selkies. The book has a lot of adventure and mystery for readers that will leave them excited and enthralled as they go on the trip with ElsBeth and her friends.
ElsBeth and the Call of the Castle Ghosties by J Bean Palmer and Chris Palmer is the third book of this series which takes young readers on an adventure to another world. ElsBeth Amelia Thistle is the youngest witch on Cape Cod and that particular day, as she heads toward the sea with her friends Veronica and Lisa Lee, she is gripped with a sense of uneasiness that doesn't seem natural. Once there, they bump into Robert Hillman Jones and his friends. The boys were planning to take Uncle Preston's yacht and sail around the islands. They find themselves caught in the middle of a storm where no one is able to control the yacht. What follows is a series of unexpected events, mystery, and adventure.
The plot has many layers to it which makes it a compelling read. The illustrations are good and they do complement the scenes nicely. The portrayal of all the characters is good and ElsBeth stands for responsibility, fun and intrigue as the story progresses. The narration is detailed and there is something very charming and mysterious about nautical themed stories. As the plot progresses, readers get to know about ElsBeth's cat obsession, being transported to Greenland where she is informed about the plight of polar bears, and also an encounter with porpoises who tell ElsBeth about selkies. The book has a lot of adventure and mystery for readers that will leave them excited and enthralled as they go on the trip with ElsBeth and her friends.
Recommend this book:
Lotti and the Impossible Dream
Charly Froh
2023 Bronze Medal
308 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
We often hear the words: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!” Sage advice, but what if the odds were stacked against us and the mountain we wanted to climb was too tall or too steep? What if we’re born with a physical defect, malformed legs that required multiple surgeries, and lots of scarring? Can we face those that cringe at the sight of our wounds? Told we could never walk, can we train for the unthinkable and become a champion rhythm gymnast? In Lotti and the Impossible Dream, Charly Froh tells readers that Lotti believes she can. She’s one determined young middle schooler who firmly believes that she is more than her scars. “My scar is just a history of what I’ve been through, not a guarantee that I can’t do something!” Confronted by the bullies in gym class, she’s determined to prove that she is who and what she wants to be, which is a lot more than the scarred skin on her legs. Heartened by the support of her parents and her older brother, she knows she is a superhero, and she can do anything she sets her mind to. Her mother’s words of wisdom bolster her resolve. When we fall we get up and try again.
Based on a true story, Charly Froh’s middle-grade novel Lotti and the Impossible Dream will have readers of all ages laughing, crying, and cheering all at once. Told in the first person narrative, this almost reads like a memoir or personal essay. The author invites the reader into the depth of feelings and emotions of a young girl with a whole lot of heart and determination. It’s most empowering. There is lots of dialogue and descriptive narrative, and the story moves along at a quick pace. Each chapter begins with an intriguing title and a dragon-inspired drawing, both of which suggest the plot development to follow and the angst young Lotti must face to achieve her goal. Insightful, thought-provoking, compassionate, inspiring, brilliant, funny, and brave, this is a great gift for readers of all ages, but especially the young and the young at heart.
We often hear the words: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!” Sage advice, but what if the odds were stacked against us and the mountain we wanted to climb was too tall or too steep? What if we’re born with a physical defect, malformed legs that required multiple surgeries, and lots of scarring? Can we face those that cringe at the sight of our wounds? Told we could never walk, can we train for the unthinkable and become a champion rhythm gymnast? In Lotti and the Impossible Dream, Charly Froh tells readers that Lotti believes she can. She’s one determined young middle schooler who firmly believes that she is more than her scars. “My scar is just a history of what I’ve been through, not a guarantee that I can’t do something!” Confronted by the bullies in gym class, she’s determined to prove that she is who and what she wants to be, which is a lot more than the scarred skin on her legs. Heartened by the support of her parents and her older brother, she knows she is a superhero, and she can do anything she sets her mind to. Her mother’s words of wisdom bolster her resolve. When we fall we get up and try again.
Based on a true story, Charly Froh’s middle-grade novel Lotti and the Impossible Dream will have readers of all ages laughing, crying, and cheering all at once. Told in the first person narrative, this almost reads like a memoir or personal essay. The author invites the reader into the depth of feelings and emotions of a young girl with a whole lot of heart and determination. It’s most empowering. There is lots of dialogue and descriptive narrative, and the story moves along at a quick pace. Each chapter begins with an intriguing title and a dragon-inspired drawing, both of which suggest the plot development to follow and the angst young Lotti must face to achieve her goal. Insightful, thought-provoking, compassionate, inspiring, brilliant, funny, and brave, this is a great gift for readers of all ages, but especially the young and the young at heart.
Recommend this book:
A Leap into Darkness
Ray Petrolino
2023 Silver Medal
220 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite
Jake is a Bichon Frisé that Rose and Chris found when he was a pup. He had been bathed in a golden shimmer--the Shine--and Rosie believes he is one of the Sculptor’s “wise ones”. Jake does not believe he is anything more than an ordinary dog who has been through his share of love and loss. One day, like a fairytale, his poor life is transformed by the grace of the King of Gorseland. The King took an interest in him and just like that, Jake’s life is changed forever. He has a new family that loves him and a happy and warm environment to grow up in. One day, while the Royal Family was out, they come across a sorcerer and his raven. Most people and even the royal family’s dogs are drawn to this mysterious sorcerer, except the queen and Jake. Little do they know that their suspicion and association with the sorcerer Beezeldorn and his raven would bring nothing but harm. Will Jake be able to protect his family from this threat? Read Ray Petrolino’s A Leap Into Darkness and find out!
A Leap Into Darkness was a charming fantastical tale that features sorcerers, anthropomorphic animals, a beautiful kingdom, and a sweet familial storyline. Ray Petrolino has crafted a warm-hearted tale with unique twists that kept me flipping through the pages. I was fascinated by the distinctive characters who leave an impression just from their interactions. Jake was a sweet, loyal dog that would bravely do all he can to protect the ones he loved. It took a special person to see who he was and Rose was one of those special people. Her care, love, and sacrifice for Jake left a deep impression on me. I was hooked by this story from the very first chapter. A Leap Into Darkness is a tale woven with care and love. It is a tale of betrayal, trust, family, love, loyalty, friendship, and adventure! The deeper I got into the story the harder it was to put the book down! The map at the start and the illustrations of the characters whenever they were newly introduced into the story made it easier to visualize the story and how everything played out. Overall, this was an extraordinary tale I could see myself reading again in the future. Outstanding work!
Jake is a Bichon Frisé that Rose and Chris found when he was a pup. He had been bathed in a golden shimmer--the Shine--and Rosie believes he is one of the Sculptor’s “wise ones”. Jake does not believe he is anything more than an ordinary dog who has been through his share of love and loss. One day, like a fairytale, his poor life is transformed by the grace of the King of Gorseland. The King took an interest in him and just like that, Jake’s life is changed forever. He has a new family that loves him and a happy and warm environment to grow up in. One day, while the Royal Family was out, they come across a sorcerer and his raven. Most people and even the royal family’s dogs are drawn to this mysterious sorcerer, except the queen and Jake. Little do they know that their suspicion and association with the sorcerer Beezeldorn and his raven would bring nothing but harm. Will Jake be able to protect his family from this threat? Read Ray Petrolino’s A Leap Into Darkness and find out!
A Leap Into Darkness was a charming fantastical tale that features sorcerers, anthropomorphic animals, a beautiful kingdom, and a sweet familial storyline. Ray Petrolino has crafted a warm-hearted tale with unique twists that kept me flipping through the pages. I was fascinated by the distinctive characters who leave an impression just from their interactions. Jake was a sweet, loyal dog that would bravely do all he can to protect the ones he loved. It took a special person to see who he was and Rose was one of those special people. Her care, love, and sacrifice for Jake left a deep impression on me. I was hooked by this story from the very first chapter. A Leap Into Darkness is a tale woven with care and love. It is a tale of betrayal, trust, family, love, loyalty, friendship, and adventure! The deeper I got into the story the harder it was to put the book down! The map at the start and the illustrations of the characters whenever they were newly introduced into the story made it easier to visualize the story and how everything played out. Overall, this was an extraordinary tale I could see myself reading again in the future. Outstanding work!
Recommend this book:
Soldiers, Temples, and Crystals
Terry Overton
2023 Gold Medal
188 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Melanie Kennedy for Readers' Favorite
Soldiers, Temples, and Crystals is the first book in The Newton Chronicles series by Terry Overton. Luke is spending another church service on his phone, as usual, until the mention of Isaac Newton piques his interest. His father disappeared two years ago, and Luke has a suspicion that his father was studying some of Isaac Newton’s work. Determined to delve deeper into his father’s disappearance, he enlists the help of Nathan, the preacher’s son who has a wide knowledge of the Bible, and Lydia, his neighbor who has learned many languages through her travels with her parents around the globe. On their first day of summer vacation and the start of their official investigation, the teenagers activate an ancient artifact and transport themselves back and forth through the spacetime continuum. The artifact takes them to various times and locations where they encounter God’s chosen people – the Israelites. Luke, Nathan, and Lydia experience historical events we can only read of and imagine, but being hurtled through space has its drawbacks. Can these adventurers find their way back to the present time, and more importantly can they find Luke’s dad?
Terry Overton has written a fast-paced adventure novel full of biblical and historical events. Luke, Nathan, and Lydia navigate the turbulent time that the early Israelites had to endure and even experienced their plight. It gives them new insight into the Bible and the many stories contained therein. As a Christian, seeing what the kids saw would also bring me to tears, and I wish I could experience the beauty they did. Soldiers, Temples, and Crystals is a wonderful retelling of famous biblical stories with more adventure that would be easy and interesting for children to read. Terry has a gift for translating God’s word into a beautiful and fun children’s novel.
Soldiers, Temples, and Crystals is the first book in The Newton Chronicles series by Terry Overton. Luke is spending another church service on his phone, as usual, until the mention of Isaac Newton piques his interest. His father disappeared two years ago, and Luke has a suspicion that his father was studying some of Isaac Newton’s work. Determined to delve deeper into his father’s disappearance, he enlists the help of Nathan, the preacher’s son who has a wide knowledge of the Bible, and Lydia, his neighbor who has learned many languages through her travels with her parents around the globe. On their first day of summer vacation and the start of their official investigation, the teenagers activate an ancient artifact and transport themselves back and forth through the spacetime continuum. The artifact takes them to various times and locations where they encounter God’s chosen people – the Israelites. Luke, Nathan, and Lydia experience historical events we can only read of and imagine, but being hurtled through space has its drawbacks. Can these adventurers find their way back to the present time, and more importantly can they find Luke’s dad?
Terry Overton has written a fast-paced adventure novel full of biblical and historical events. Luke, Nathan, and Lydia navigate the turbulent time that the early Israelites had to endure and even experienced their plight. It gives them new insight into the Bible and the many stories contained therein. As a Christian, seeing what the kids saw would also bring me to tears, and I wish I could experience the beauty they did. Soldiers, Temples, and Crystals is a wonderful retelling of famous biblical stories with more adventure that would be easy and interesting for children to read. Terry has a gift for translating God’s word into a beautiful and fun children’s novel.
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