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Recommend this book:
Koolura and the Mayans
Koolura Series Volume 3
Michael Thal
2017 Bronze Medal
131 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite
Koolura and the Mayans by Michael Thal is the third book in the Koolura series, an exciting story that will take readers on a historic ride back into the old Maya civilization. Koolura and her friend, Leila, are just two young teens visiting Mexico. They stumble on a device that allows them to travel back in time. They are thrust into an early Maya civilization, whose people are enslaved by the Aquari. The people hope for a goddess who could set them free. Could Koolura be this goddess?
Although Koolura and the Mayans is written for a pre-teen audience, it was fun to read as an adult. Michael Thal’s characters are awesome and I enjoyed Koolura and Leila, two girls who are smart and very ingenious. They make a great team. Readers will enjoy watching them evolve through the story. The author seems to create a whole new culture around the Maya and the story feels so real, reading about the people and the challenges they face. At the level of style, this book is beautifully accomplished. First off, the reader will notice the gorgeous accessible writing, composed of short and easy-to-understand sentences. The writing also features great descriptions of characters and setting. The descriptive prose creates powerful images in the minds of readers. I enjoyed the well-crafted dialogues which make the characters come to life. Readers will love the adventure, the drama, the conflict, and the entertaining nature of this story. I enjoyed it!
Koolura and the Mayans by Michael Thal is the third book in the Koolura series, an exciting story that will take readers on a historic ride back into the old Maya civilization. Koolura and her friend, Leila, are just two young teens visiting Mexico. They stumble on a device that allows them to travel back in time. They are thrust into an early Maya civilization, whose people are enslaved by the Aquari. The people hope for a goddess who could set them free. Could Koolura be this goddess?
Although Koolura and the Mayans is written for a pre-teen audience, it was fun to read as an adult. Michael Thal’s characters are awesome and I enjoyed Koolura and Leila, two girls who are smart and very ingenious. They make a great team. Readers will enjoy watching them evolve through the story. The author seems to create a whole new culture around the Maya and the story feels so real, reading about the people and the challenges they face. At the level of style, this book is beautifully accomplished. First off, the reader will notice the gorgeous accessible writing, composed of short and easy-to-understand sentences. The writing also features great descriptions of characters and setting. The descriptive prose creates powerful images in the minds of readers. I enjoyed the well-crafted dialogues which make the characters come to life. Readers will love the adventure, the drama, the conflict, and the entertaining nature of this story. I enjoyed it!
Recommend this book:
Doc Christmas and The Magic of Trains
Neil Enock
2017 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
Doc Christmas and the Magic of Trains by Neil Enock is a wonderful story about how a doctor saved Christmas! An epidemic has invaded the North Pole; all of the elves are sick and are not responding to any known medical cures. Christmas is right around the corner and there is no one to help make and distribute the Christmas presents. Nick and DJ are desperately trying to figure out the cause of the outbreak, but are completely nonplussed. There is only one man that they know of who can save them, but he has lost the magic of Christmas. Dr. Archibald Stevens had been a train enthusiast and with the help of his wife, Marilee, and daughter, Vicki, had built a magnificent train world. After Marilee died, he closed himself off from his family, friends, and the magic of the trains. Nick and DJ have to convince him to remember the magic and help save the elves. Will they be able to do it in time?
Doc Christmas and the Magic of Trains by Neil Enock is an enchanting story about one man's journey and how it affected the world. Doc had an amazing friend and family support system that he couldn't even acknowledge through his own pain. Vicki, Jeanette and Helga were warm-hearted and caring characters and I loved how they lovingly and subtly coerced Doc back into believing in magic and living again. With their belief and love behind him, Doc was able to break through the unbelief and try to help Nick with the crisis. I was so caught up in the story that it never occurred to me that not everybody believes in magic. Neil Enock has created a story that extends beyond Christmas and brings magic to every single day. This book will be a much-loved part of my Christmas library from now on. I recommend it to all those who love a good Christmas North Pole story and to those who love trains.
Doc Christmas and the Magic of Trains by Neil Enock is a wonderful story about how a doctor saved Christmas! An epidemic has invaded the North Pole; all of the elves are sick and are not responding to any known medical cures. Christmas is right around the corner and there is no one to help make and distribute the Christmas presents. Nick and DJ are desperately trying to figure out the cause of the outbreak, but are completely nonplussed. There is only one man that they know of who can save them, but he has lost the magic of Christmas. Dr. Archibald Stevens had been a train enthusiast and with the help of his wife, Marilee, and daughter, Vicki, had built a magnificent train world. After Marilee died, he closed himself off from his family, friends, and the magic of the trains. Nick and DJ have to convince him to remember the magic and help save the elves. Will they be able to do it in time?
Doc Christmas and the Magic of Trains by Neil Enock is an enchanting story about one man's journey and how it affected the world. Doc had an amazing friend and family support system that he couldn't even acknowledge through his own pain. Vicki, Jeanette and Helga were warm-hearted and caring characters and I loved how they lovingly and subtly coerced Doc back into believing in magic and living again. With their belief and love behind him, Doc was able to break through the unbelief and try to help Nick with the crisis. I was so caught up in the story that it never occurred to me that not everybody believes in magic. Neil Enock has created a story that extends beyond Christmas and brings magic to every single day. This book will be a much-loved part of my Christmas library from now on. I recommend it to all those who love a good Christmas North Pole story and to those who love trains.
Recommend this book:
Evil Speaks
Warriors and Watchers Saga - Volume 1
S. Woffington
2017 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Evil Speaks by S. Woffington is Volume 1 of the Warriors and Watchers Saga. Benny is fifteen years old and has moved to a new place often. Each move is a new life and, on his seventh life, he decides that he is going to run away. His mother is paranoid and has been moving herself and Benny around for years, ever since his father disappeared when he was just three years old. Benny can’t remember it though; all he remembers is strange dreams of a dragon and a firestorm. He packs his bags after a fight with his mother and, all of a sudden, the house explodes. Benny finds himself in a strange world, uniting him with six teenagers that he thinks he remembers. On the day Benny’s father disappeared, all six lost their mothers and this unites them to find out what happened, following the one and only clue they have – Domenico H. Adez, Benny’s dangerous grandfather.
Evil Speaks: Warriors and Watchers Saga Volume 1 by S. Woffington is an incredibly different kind of story. It is a very involved plot, but in a way that young adults will find easy to follow. This is a fast moving story with plenty of action that is more than just a mythological tale. It teaches young adults of the importance of working together, of being a part of a team to achieve results. The first books in a series are always the hardest in my opinion because they have to set the scene for the following books. This has been achieved admirably here with plenty of character background that will make the next book easier to grasp. I highly recommend this to any young adult with an interest in mythology.
Evil Speaks by S. Woffington is Volume 1 of the Warriors and Watchers Saga. Benny is fifteen years old and has moved to a new place often. Each move is a new life and, on his seventh life, he decides that he is going to run away. His mother is paranoid and has been moving herself and Benny around for years, ever since his father disappeared when he was just three years old. Benny can’t remember it though; all he remembers is strange dreams of a dragon and a firestorm. He packs his bags after a fight with his mother and, all of a sudden, the house explodes. Benny finds himself in a strange world, uniting him with six teenagers that he thinks he remembers. On the day Benny’s father disappeared, all six lost their mothers and this unites them to find out what happened, following the one and only clue they have – Domenico H. Adez, Benny’s dangerous grandfather.
Evil Speaks: Warriors and Watchers Saga Volume 1 by S. Woffington is an incredibly different kind of story. It is a very involved plot, but in a way that young adults will find easy to follow. This is a fast moving story with plenty of action that is more than just a mythological tale. It teaches young adults of the importance of working together, of being a part of a team to achieve results. The first books in a series are always the hardest in my opinion because they have to set the scene for the following books. This has been achieved admirably here with plenty of character background that will make the next book easier to grasp. I highly recommend this to any young adult with an interest in mythology.
Recommend this book:
 and Pip – two people who know the Sweep network better than most ...){kind=link}
Dotty and the Chimney Thief
Emma Warner-Reed
2017 Silver Medal
245 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
Dotty and the Chimney Thief is a children’s book written by Emma Warner-Reed. Whilst in Skype chat with her best friend, Sylvia, Dotty Parsons is aggrieved to discover that one of her best friends, Joe, has disappeared. In trying to consult with her Great Uncle Winchester (Winny) and Pip – two people who know the Sweep network better than most – Dotty is constantly watched and followed and scrutinized by Winny’s sleazy assistant, Strake, who seems to try to roadblock every move she makes. After it is discovered that the evil Vagabond King is behind Joe’s kidnapping, Dotty realizes that the only person who can lead Dotty to Joe’s whereabouts is an imprisoned chimney thief, Skitter, and he’s not talking until his sister, Sarah, is by his side. Desperate to save her friend, Dotty embarks on a dangerous, yet exciting adventure, with one aim in mind: Find Sarah and convince her to visit Skitter so that he will disclose the Vagabond King’s location. It might all seem simple, but time is not on Dotty's side, as the Sweep’s Council are about to hand down their decision on Skitter’s fate for his crimes.
Emma Warner-Reed’s adventurous tale of young Dotty Parsons is extremely well written, but with so much information to take in, I believe that it is imperative for readers to read the first book in the series, titled Dotty and the Calendar House Key, in order to fully appreciate the story behind all of the characters in the book. Dotty and the Chimney Thief is a story of bravery and strength, with Dotty having to overcome all of her fears and any obstacles which come in the way so that she can save her friend, Joe. With the forces of good working with her, one can easily mistake Dotty’s task as simple. The evil inside the Calendar House, in the form of Strake, however, as well as that within the chimney sweep network, creates obstacles which at times seem insurmountable. I enjoyed the strong message of love and friendship, as Dotty does what she can to bring her friend safely home, and recommend Dotty and the Chimney Thief to readers who love action, humor, dedication and fun in this suspenseful and dramatic adventure.
Dotty and the Chimney Thief is a children’s book written by Emma Warner-Reed. Whilst in Skype chat with her best friend, Sylvia, Dotty Parsons is aggrieved to discover that one of her best friends, Joe, has disappeared. In trying to consult with her Great Uncle Winchester (Winny) and Pip – two people who know the Sweep network better than most – Dotty is constantly watched and followed and scrutinized by Winny’s sleazy assistant, Strake, who seems to try to roadblock every move she makes. After it is discovered that the evil Vagabond King is behind Joe’s kidnapping, Dotty realizes that the only person who can lead Dotty to Joe’s whereabouts is an imprisoned chimney thief, Skitter, and he’s not talking until his sister, Sarah, is by his side. Desperate to save her friend, Dotty embarks on a dangerous, yet exciting adventure, with one aim in mind: Find Sarah and convince her to visit Skitter so that he will disclose the Vagabond King’s location. It might all seem simple, but time is not on Dotty's side, as the Sweep’s Council are about to hand down their decision on Skitter’s fate for his crimes.
Emma Warner-Reed’s adventurous tale of young Dotty Parsons is extremely well written, but with so much information to take in, I believe that it is imperative for readers to read the first book in the series, titled Dotty and the Calendar House Key, in order to fully appreciate the story behind all of the characters in the book. Dotty and the Chimney Thief is a story of bravery and strength, with Dotty having to overcome all of her fears and any obstacles which come in the way so that she can save her friend, Joe. With the forces of good working with her, one can easily mistake Dotty’s task as simple. The evil inside the Calendar House, in the form of Strake, however, as well as that within the chimney sweep network, creates obstacles which at times seem insurmountable. I enjoyed the strong message of love and friendship, as Dotty does what she can to bring her friend safely home, and recommend Dotty and the Chimney Thief to readers who love action, humor, dedication and fun in this suspenseful and dramatic adventure.
Recommend this book:
Elizabeth's War
D.L. Finn
2016 Finalist
128 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Elizabeth's War is a young adult historical novel written by D.L. Finn. When Elizabeth was 11 years old, her life was fairly idyllic. Her older sister, Pearl, doted on her, and life on her family's farm was filled with adventure and fun. It was 1917, and while she knew about the outbreak of World War I, it seemed to be far away from her insulated world. Everything changed when her father announced that he had volunteered to help train the officers who would be fighting overseas. Then Simon, Pearl's best friend and boyfriend, volunteered for service and would be leaving on the same train as Elizabeth's dad. Simon was her best friend Sarah's brother, and seeing him as well as her father go off to the war effort was frightening. Soon, she learned about the things people at home could do to help the war effort, and she and her family got involved.
D.L. Finn's young adult historical novel is a marvelous coming of age story about an exceptional young girl whose reality changes dramatically and who meets every challenge coming her way with enthusiasm and perseverance. I loved reading about the sacrifices and volunteer work Americans at home made to help the soldiers; especially the knitting projects done by classes in school, and I laughed with the clumsy and domestically challenged young Elizabeth as she learns to cook and knit. Finn's writing is smooth and her story flows beautifully. I was involved in the plot from the first page and found it hard to put the story down until I had finished it. Elizabeth's War is highly recommended.
Elizabeth's War is a young adult historical novel written by D.L. Finn. When Elizabeth was 11 years old, her life was fairly idyllic. Her older sister, Pearl, doted on her, and life on her family's farm was filled with adventure and fun. It was 1917, and while she knew about the outbreak of World War I, it seemed to be far away from her insulated world. Everything changed when her father announced that he had volunteered to help train the officers who would be fighting overseas. Then Simon, Pearl's best friend and boyfriend, volunteered for service and would be leaving on the same train as Elizabeth's dad. Simon was her best friend Sarah's brother, and seeing him as well as her father go off to the war effort was frightening. Soon, she learned about the things people at home could do to help the war effort, and she and her family got involved.
D.L. Finn's young adult historical novel is a marvelous coming of age story about an exceptional young girl whose reality changes dramatically and who meets every challenge coming her way with enthusiasm and perseverance. I loved reading about the sacrifices and volunteer work Americans at home made to help the soldiers; especially the knitting projects done by classes in school, and I laughed with the clumsy and domestically challenged young Elizabeth as she learns to cook and knit. Finn's writing is smooth and her story flows beautifully. I was involved in the plot from the first page and found it hard to put the story down until I had finished it. Elizabeth's War is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Davey & Derek Junior Detectives
The Case of the Missing Cell Phone (Book 1)
Janice Spina
2016 Honorable Mention
160 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
The Case of the Missing Cell Phone is the first book in the Davey & Derek: Junior Detectives book series written by Janice Spina. Davey and Derek Donato are ten-year-old non-identical twins. After receiving some sleuthing books for their tenth birthday, the boys decide to imitate the detectives in the stories as they read. The young detectives’ assistant, Mickey (The Cat), had been teaching sign language to Derek for some time. Although Mickey hears well, his younger sister, Jennie, is Deaf and the family communicates in sign language. After Christine Sanders misplaces her expensive cell phone, the twins are on the case, rounding up suspects and investigating the phone’s disappearance. When the police make an appearance at the school, the group of gumshoes challenge themselves to solve the case before the police solve it to solidify their reputations as detectives who get the job done.
Being a fan of good mystery stories, I was keen to read Janice Spina’s new book series starring Davey and Derek. The Case of the Missing Cell Phone was the perfect way to start their detective careers and earn the trust and respect of their peers at school. I was easily able to picture each scene through the eyes of the young detectives, including the nervous reactions of those who were interviewed. Each turn of the page carried new clues, new excitement, and new adventure as Davey, Derek, Mickey and their assistants leave no stone unturned in trying to solve the puzzle. This book is one of the most fun and delightful sleuthing tales I have read in a long time. This book would be great for young readers in the 7-12 age group, and would also do well in school libraries as it teaches children how to assert themselves against bullies while having their friends’ backs at all times.
The Case of the Missing Cell Phone is the first book in the Davey & Derek: Junior Detectives book series written by Janice Spina. Davey and Derek Donato are ten-year-old non-identical twins. After receiving some sleuthing books for their tenth birthday, the boys decide to imitate the detectives in the stories as they read. The young detectives’ assistant, Mickey (The Cat), had been teaching sign language to Derek for some time. Although Mickey hears well, his younger sister, Jennie, is Deaf and the family communicates in sign language. After Christine Sanders misplaces her expensive cell phone, the twins are on the case, rounding up suspects and investigating the phone’s disappearance. When the police make an appearance at the school, the group of gumshoes challenge themselves to solve the case before the police solve it to solidify their reputations as detectives who get the job done.
Being a fan of good mystery stories, I was keen to read Janice Spina’s new book series starring Davey and Derek. The Case of the Missing Cell Phone was the perfect way to start their detective careers and earn the trust and respect of their peers at school. I was easily able to picture each scene through the eyes of the young detectives, including the nervous reactions of those who were interviewed. Each turn of the page carried new clues, new excitement, and new adventure as Davey, Derek, Mickey and their assistants leave no stone unturned in trying to solve the puzzle. This book is one of the most fun and delightful sleuthing tales I have read in a long time. This book would be great for young readers in the 7-12 age group, and would also do well in school libraries as it teaches children how to assert themselves against bullies while having their friends’ backs at all times.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/ok-is-great&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51tH0g7FUbL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=O.K. Is Great is a preteen coming of age novel written and illustrated by David Tiefenthaler. Otis Kalshwonkee's been known by the nickname "OK" for as long as he can remember. He hates it because it seems to symbolize the fact that he's just average in everything he does. His big brother Stu is a gifted sports animal and can do everything better t...){kind=link}
O.K. Is Great
David Tiefenthaler
2016 Bronze Medal
204 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
O.K. Is Great is a preteen coming of age novel written and illustrated by David Tiefenthaler. Otis Kalshwonkee's been known by the nickname "OK" for as long as he can remember. He hates it because it seems to symbolize the fact that he's just average in everything he does. His big brother Stu is a gifted sports animal and can do everything better than he does. His sister Ella is a talented pianist and even composes her own songs. Otis is hoping that starting seventh grade in a new school will give him a chance to shine and forget about that nickname and everything it stands for, once and for all. His mom and dad are moving the family to a house in the suburbs, and the new school is for both junior and senior high students. This means, of course, that big brother Stu will make sure everyone knows about the nickname, but Otis still isn't giving up on his dream of being the greatest.
David Tiefenthaler's preteen novel, O.K. Is Great, is funny, inspirational and exciting all at once. Tiefenthaler's illustrations make this story feel like a graphic novel, even if it does have more words than one normally finds in that genre, and the drawings work so incredibly well with the plot. I loved the pictures of big brother Stu, especially the one illustrating the dreaded nocturnal elbow drop. Otis and Leo's training sessions are marvelous and the sports aspect of the story works wonderfully. Tiefenthaler also addresses the subject of bullying and cyber-bullying in a way that is supportive and positive. I had a lot of fun reading O.K. Is Great. Otis is an awesome character, and I'm hoping that the author will keep us up to date on Otis's further adventures. O.K. Is Great is most highly recommended.
O.K. Is Great is a preteen coming of age novel written and illustrated by David Tiefenthaler. Otis Kalshwonkee's been known by the nickname "OK" for as long as he can remember. He hates it because it seems to symbolize the fact that he's just average in everything he does. His big brother Stu is a gifted sports animal and can do everything better than he does. His sister Ella is a talented pianist and even composes her own songs. Otis is hoping that starting seventh grade in a new school will give him a chance to shine and forget about that nickname and everything it stands for, once and for all. His mom and dad are moving the family to a house in the suburbs, and the new school is for both junior and senior high students. This means, of course, that big brother Stu will make sure everyone knows about the nickname, but Otis still isn't giving up on his dream of being the greatest.
David Tiefenthaler's preteen novel, O.K. Is Great, is funny, inspirational and exciting all at once. Tiefenthaler's illustrations make this story feel like a graphic novel, even if it does have more words than one normally finds in that genre, and the drawings work so incredibly well with the plot. I loved the pictures of big brother Stu, especially the one illustrating the dreaded nocturnal elbow drop. Otis and Leo's training sessions are marvelous and the sports aspect of the story works wonderfully. Tiefenthaler also addresses the subject of bullying and cyber-bullying in a way that is supportive and positive. I had a lot of fun reading O.K. Is Great. Otis is an awesome character, and I'm hoping that the author will keep us up to date on Otis's further adventures. O.K. Is Great is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Hieroglyph
TC's Adventures, Book 1
WJ Scott
2016 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Hieroglyph: TC's Adventures, Book 1 is a children's and preteen historical adventure novel written by W.J. Scott and illustrated by John Helle-Nielsen. TC lives with her Aunt Letty who's been her guardian, more or less, since the disappearance of her archaeologist parents. Letty is committed to saving the planet, and she's about to embark on a mission to save some stranded whales on the East Coast of New Zealand. While she's gone, she's arranged for TC to fly to Australia to stay with her Uncle Max, Letty's twin brother, who is an entrepreneurial archaeologist. When she heard the news, TC immediately conjured up visions of long sandy beaches, water slides and some of Max's typical crazy adventures, so she's a bit disappointed when he tells her that she'll be heading out to an archaeological site with a bunch of kids from a convention he's attending. TC has done her share of dusty sites, and she's not crazy about making new friends while she's in Australia. But this site is a little different.
W.J. Scott's historical adventure novel, Hieroglyph: TC's Adventures, Book 1, is exciting and fast-paced. TC wears gloves all the time, as she possesses some strange powers that allow her to travel back in time when she touches artifacts. In this story, her travels are especially fascinating. I loved following along as she channels the story of the ancient Egyptians on their trip to Australia, and I found myself engrossed in the lives of Kanefer and Setka. TC and Max are marvelous characters who are fun to read about, and I vicariously enjoyed the week that TC spends with her Uncle Max. Scott also brings the sights, sounds and wildlife of Australia to life in this story, and I was particularly intrigued by the traditional campfire bread that Max makes when they're camping out. Helle-Nielsen's illustrations are superb! They are precise and minimalist, and exactly suited to the story. Hieroglyph: TC's Adventures, Book 1 is most highly recommended for adventure lovers of all ages.
Hieroglyph: TC's Adventures, Book 1 is a children's and preteen historical adventure novel written by W.J. Scott and illustrated by John Helle-Nielsen. TC lives with her Aunt Letty who's been her guardian, more or less, since the disappearance of her archaeologist parents. Letty is committed to saving the planet, and she's about to embark on a mission to save some stranded whales on the East Coast of New Zealand. While she's gone, she's arranged for TC to fly to Australia to stay with her Uncle Max, Letty's twin brother, who is an entrepreneurial archaeologist. When she heard the news, TC immediately conjured up visions of long sandy beaches, water slides and some of Max's typical crazy adventures, so she's a bit disappointed when he tells her that she'll be heading out to an archaeological site with a bunch of kids from a convention he's attending. TC has done her share of dusty sites, and she's not crazy about making new friends while she's in Australia. But this site is a little different.
W.J. Scott's historical adventure novel, Hieroglyph: TC's Adventures, Book 1, is exciting and fast-paced. TC wears gloves all the time, as she possesses some strange powers that allow her to travel back in time when she touches artifacts. In this story, her travels are especially fascinating. I loved following along as she channels the story of the ancient Egyptians on their trip to Australia, and I found myself engrossed in the lives of Kanefer and Setka. TC and Max are marvelous characters who are fun to read about, and I vicariously enjoyed the week that TC spends with her Uncle Max. Scott also brings the sights, sounds and wildlife of Australia to life in this story, and I was particularly intrigued by the traditional campfire bread that Max makes when they're camping out. Helle-Nielsen's illustrations are superb! They are precise and minimalist, and exactly suited to the story. Hieroglyph: TC's Adventures, Book 1 is most highly recommended for adventure lovers of all ages.
Recommend this book:
 by Krysten Lindsay Hager is a middle grade book about fitting in and learning to love yourself. Landry desperately wishes to have an interesting life. She wants to be one of the girls at school that has a funny and clever story to share with her friends. But she feels that her life is too boring. She...){kind=link}
True Colors
Landry's True Colors Series Book 1
Krysten Lindsay Hager
2016 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Anna Smith for Readers' Favorite
True Colors (Landry's True Colors Series Book 1) by Krysten Lindsay Hager is a middle grade book about fitting in and learning to love yourself. Landry desperately wishes to have an interesting life. She wants to be one of the girls at school that has a funny and clever story to share with her friends. But she feels that her life is too boring. She is ignored and chosen last in gym class. She doesn't fit in, let alone stand out to the popular crowd. Because of this desire to fit in, Landry agrees to audition for a teen reality show modeling competition with her best friends, Tori and Ericka. Landry is nervous but impressive and makes it to the next round. When her friends get cut from the competition, Landry realizes how little they were her true friends when they stop speaking to her at school. She desperately wants new friends, but has to chose between being herself and impressing her new potential friends. And along the journey, she begins to see how unglamorous modeling can be. She learns how to deal with mean girls, her newest crush, and that true friends are those that accept you for who you are, not what stories you have to tell.
True Colors is a fantastic middle grade story with a healthy message for tweens. The story is definitely geared toward 8th graders and 12 to 13-year-olds. It is a fun story, with the characters modeling, having sleepovers, and hanging out at the mall a lot. Krysten Lindsay Hager did a great job of capturing that young tween voice and I think young girls will absolutely love this story! And parents will certainly approve of the healthy message about friendship and staying true to oneself.
True Colors (Landry's True Colors Series Book 1) by Krysten Lindsay Hager is a middle grade book about fitting in and learning to love yourself. Landry desperately wishes to have an interesting life. She wants to be one of the girls at school that has a funny and clever story to share with her friends. But she feels that her life is too boring. She is ignored and chosen last in gym class. She doesn't fit in, let alone stand out to the popular crowd. Because of this desire to fit in, Landry agrees to audition for a teen reality show modeling competition with her best friends, Tori and Ericka. Landry is nervous but impressive and makes it to the next round. When her friends get cut from the competition, Landry realizes how little they were her true friends when they stop speaking to her at school. She desperately wants new friends, but has to chose between being herself and impressing her new potential friends. And along the journey, she begins to see how unglamorous modeling can be. She learns how to deal with mean girls, her newest crush, and that true friends are those that accept you for who you are, not what stories you have to tell.
True Colors is a fantastic middle grade story with a healthy message for tweens. The story is definitely geared toward 8th graders and 12 to 13-year-olds. It is a fun story, with the characters modeling, having sleepovers, and hanging out at the mall a lot. Krysten Lindsay Hager did a great job of capturing that young tween voice and I think young girls will absolutely love this story! And parents will certainly approve of the healthy message about friendship and staying true to oneself.
Recommend this book:
Starlette Universe
Eva From E-Ville
Kathy Johnson
2015 Bronze Medal
112 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Michelle Robertson for Readers' Favorite
Starlette Universe: Eva from E-ville, written by Kathy Johnson and illustrated by Dick Kulpa, is book two of the series and is an adventurous, exciting, self-motivating comic book. Join the Starlette girls as they battle Eva from E-ville, overcome obstacles of good vs. evil and the struggles of everyday life, but with a very adventurous twist. Find out how these fashionable young starlettes fight evil individually and together.
The book is mostly geared toward young female readers interested in reading about fashionable female heroism, good vs. evil, and a unique twist on self-confidence and critical thinking. The author has created scenarios in which an overall dilemma is played out within chapters, as well as individual ones. All of the Starlette girls are battling one big issue as they individually battle their own. By presenting individual and group problems, issues, and dilemmas, the author appeals to a wide variety of young female readers. The layout, format of text, and illustrations make it an entirely new genre. The author and illustrator present this as Piction - a novel, a comic book, and fiction. It is truly a new-age version of a comic book, but better.
With bright pictures, fashionable and colorful layout and page design, and very unique dialog, the Starlette Universe: Eva from E-ville has presented a new way of reading. The book may be a bit confusing to read at first because of its very creative and unique design qualities. It will take an open mind to fully appreciate and comprehend the messages being presented within the text. I found this book to be intensely creative, incredibly intriguing, and extremely helpful to young women.
Starlette Universe: Eva from E-ville, written by Kathy Johnson and illustrated by Dick Kulpa, is book two of the series and is an adventurous, exciting, self-motivating comic book. Join the Starlette girls as they battle Eva from E-ville, overcome obstacles of good vs. evil and the struggles of everyday life, but with a very adventurous twist. Find out how these fashionable young starlettes fight evil individually and together.
The book is mostly geared toward young female readers interested in reading about fashionable female heroism, good vs. evil, and a unique twist on self-confidence and critical thinking. The author has created scenarios in which an overall dilemma is played out within chapters, as well as individual ones. All of the Starlette girls are battling one big issue as they individually battle their own. By presenting individual and group problems, issues, and dilemmas, the author appeals to a wide variety of young female readers. The layout, format of text, and illustrations make it an entirely new genre. The author and illustrator present this as Piction - a novel, a comic book, and fiction. It is truly a new-age version of a comic book, but better.
With bright pictures, fashionable and colorful layout and page design, and very unique dialog, the Starlette Universe: Eva from E-ville has presented a new way of reading. The book may be a bit confusing to read at first because of its very creative and unique design qualities. It will take an open mind to fully appreciate and comprehend the messages being presented within the text. I found this book to be intensely creative, incredibly intriguing, and extremely helpful to young women.
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