Between the Lines Reviews - June 2018

READER REVIEWS

JUNE 2018 REVIEWS

The Collectors by Jacqueline West is an exciting fantasy book that you won’t put down. Van is used to noticing without being noticed. Until one day both occur. He is suddenly swept up into a world where wishes come true and you are supposed to choose between good and evil, except you don't know which is which. As I read this book I felt myself choosing sides, right along side Van and then backtracking so I could choose the other side. I would recommend this fantastic novel to anyone looking for a great book full of wonderful choices of bravery and loyalty. — Mia, age 13

In Your Shoes - I thought this book was really well written. The author tells the story through both Miles’s point of view and Amy’s point of view, which helped me see both sides of the story. The plot caught me right from the first chapter, and after that, it was very hard to put down. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, and I think it is best for kids in grades 6-9. — Gillian, age 13

 


Darius the Great is Not Okay is the story of a boy named Darius, and his exploration of both the special bond of friendship (or in this case, maybe more then just friendship), as well as who his family really is, while visiting family in Iran for the first time. Through his bonds with family and friends, Darius better comes to understand his identity, and the culture of where he comes from. Through Darius's view of Iran, the author captivates the reader with details of the culture in Iran, such as "Taarofing." If you appreciate tales of self discovery, growth, and close friendships, this book is for you! — Sarah, age 13

The book Time Castaways: The Mona Lisa Key was an okay book. It was not my favorite. It was full of time traveling ships which was not my style. If you like fantasy books, this would be a book for you.  — Tess, age 11

 

 

 

Hocus & Pocus: The Legend of Grimm's Woods: The Comic Book You Can Play - You have to read the instructions carefully, or else it’s just confusing, but it’s really fun, just like a game! I liked that there were so many options so every time you read it, it could be a different story! I also really liked the pictures because they were funny. I think you should read this book, because it’s very different than other types of books. — Olivia, age 9

 

This books was extremely hard to put down. It shows the experience of a young mother and her sister, and it demonstrates family troubles as well. The ending brings it all together, and makes me want to read a sequel to the book. Cassie is a very relatable character, which adds to the fun of reading this book. I think Counting to Perfect would be good for kids in grades 4-8, and I would definitely recommend it to everyone I know.               — Gillian, age 13

 

The Storm Runner - This book is full of jokes and will make any reader laugh. The beautifully written tale also draws the reader in. At times, the hurt that hit Zane, hits me too. Brooks, a shapeshifter and Hondo, Zane's uncle both stay close help him persevere through every obstacle. The courage they show is strong and noble. If you enjoyed Percy Jackson, Gregor the Overlander, and The Secret Series you're bound to love this book.       — Sadie, age 11

 

Imagine a ball of yarn that had been unraveled and knotted by a cat, all tangled up and complexly mangled. Now imagine it covered in plot, romance, friendship, and countless journal entries. That’s up-and-coming author Emma Chastain’s middle-grade novel, The Year of Living Awkwardly: Sophomore Year, in a nutshell. Meet Chloe Snow, 15. She is struggling with many social issues from the popular kids at school to a painful, but well intended breakup from her cheating currently-in-college boyfriend, Mac Brody. This novel, told in a year of journal entries, courtesy of Chloe, will appeal to many audiences, especially middle grade, teen, and young adult readers looking for something other than the average realistic fiction set in a high school, which may seem rather boring. Each character’s experiences are so unique, that alone seems like an adequate reason to read this awesome novel. But the twists and turns of this book’s plot, not unlike a roller coaster of truths, confessions, and the like, are sure to keep an reader that is interested stay that way. — Subi, age 12

 

Knights vs. Dinosaurs - I loved this book! This book is about knights who get sent on a mission to defeat dinosaurs. It is really funny and exciting. Someone that likes comics would like this book because it has comics mixed into the chapters. — Will, age 7

 

 

 

Mascot is a book about a seventh grader named Noah whose life took a turn for the worse when he was in a gruesome car accident. After the car accident, Noah was left paralyzed and without his beloved father. This book is full of plot twists and although this book is saddening, it is also a heartfelt story about resilience, perseverance, and the power of friendship. I highly recommend this book to those who love sports adventures and especially baseball; however, it is a great read no matter what you are interested in and leaves the reader longing for more. — Mika, age 12
 

My book was two books in one: Our Principal Is a Frog by Stephanie Calmenson and (when you flip the book over) Royal Sweets by Helen Perelman. I would read Our Principal Is a Frog if you like funny books. In the book, a magician turns the principal into a frog. The kids think it’s a different person. Read the book to find out what happens! In Royal Sweets, a fairy princess finds a troll on the way to school. She promises the troll she will go back and meet him after school. It turns out people are spying on the fairy princess. I would read this book if you like fairy tales. I hope you enjoy this double book! — Sasha, age 8

Max Einstein: The Genius Experiment - I loved this book! It also has my two favorite authors! This book is about a girl named Max who finds out she has a chance to help the world. She fails at first but tries again and again. The book is exciting and she uses science. I think boys and girls that like science would like this book. I hope there is a sequel! — Will, age 7 

 

The Guggenheim Mystery is a great book!  I really loved this book because it is very descriptive, has a great plot, and is full of friendship.   The Guggenheim Mystery is about three cousins who are in New York visiting each other when a priceless piece of art is stolen, and one of their mothers is accused.   Will the trio be able to find the stolen art and the real thief?  This book is great for young readers looking for a great mystery filled with clues! — Quinn, age 9

 

These Rebel Waves - This book is an exciting story. It’s a story about Adeluna (“Lu”), a girl who was a soldier and spy in the revolution, Devereux (“Vex”), a boy who is a famous pirate and Benat (“Ben”), the crown prince and a heretic. It is set in two made up places called Agrid and Grace Loray. Lu and Vex are trying to save Grace Loray from Agridian invasion. Ben is trying to find a cure for shaking sickness, an awful disease by using mixtures of magic. This book is worth reading because things happen when you don’t expect them to. — Jasper, age 10

 

I didn’t like Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School because it was not that funny. The thing that was not funny is that the dog tries to be friends with the bully and then the bully becomes nice. Which, really, is not believable to me. And that is my book review for Two Dogs and a Trenchcoat. — Quentin, age 8

 

 

Time Castaways #1: The Mona Lisa Key - I really like this book because you never know what's going to happen next, and it keeps you on your toes. I like that most of the crew is built up of children from different times and places, so you can see it from their perspectives. They don't just go to the Mona Lisa, they go to other places and tell you some history, so I actually learned something about each place they went to. I like that the captain keeps a little white rat in his vest. I would rate it a 9.5 because I like it that much! — Maddie, age 9