New Kid by Jerry Craft
New Kid by Jerry Craft This book was both a delight to read and a hard read as well. It is not so much because of the content or concepts, but because of the flow. Things seemed forced at times; the point is thrown at you more than once to get it across. Is this good or bad? That is up to the reader. Are these nice people? For the most part it does seem like people are good, even the ones who are a bit […]
Batman and Robin and Howard by Jeffrey Brown
One reviewer from Goodreads said Batman and Robin and Howard was (to be more polite) less than intelligent, and while I will not disagree, I think they missed the point. This is an over the top, fun, story about being the new kid vs. the before kid at school. The story of two people who do not click and make assumptions about each other. It is a goofy way to help kids try and see both sides of the cape. While the adult doofus Batman […]
First Night Howlergarten by Benson Shum
Sadly, I must start my review with a bit of bad news. Sorry folks, but August 2023 is when First Night Howlergarten will be out. However, I want to plug it now as it is FREAKING ADORALBE. And in the meantime, I will be keeping an eye out for more Benson Shum titles. This picture book has two things that I liked about it (a character who is not “over the top” and a slightly unique ending), but the whole package is enjoyable. We are […]
Lunch From Home by Joshua David Stein
Lunch From Home is based on the various authors experiences growing up. Ray (Garcia), Preeti (Mistry), Mina (Park) and Niki (Russ Federman) bring their favorite lunches to school, and since they are not the “usual sandwich” the other kids have, they are teased for their choices. Choices that truly represent them and their cultures. Of course, they go through the “I just want a sandwich for lunch” until they decide that they will not be ashamed and celebrate what makes them unique. These four children […]
Spy School the Graphic Novel by Stuart Gibbs
Spy School the Graphic Novel is based from the Stuart Gibbs series of the same name. This is a modern take on the super spy but with all the classic elements. James Bond might have been smoother, but never as funny. Not having read the novels, I am not sure how they compare, but either graphic novel would be good for ages 10 and up. We follow a kid who is recruited for a special CIA run spy-creating school. Only he thinks it is a […]
The Guardian Test (Legends of Lotus Island #1) by Christina Soontornvat
If Harry Potter and Avatar the Last Airbender had a story together The Guardian Test (Legends of Lotus Island #1) by Christina Soontornvat would be the results. This is a simple and sweet magical coming of age story. We know the plot, but not how things will unfold exactly. It is not overly packed with surprises, but the aged aimed at reader will be wondering what happens next. Kevin Hong will be the illustrator of this aged eight and up (solo read) novel, but probably […]
