Author Archives: BiancaMG

Warriors (The New Prophecy) Midnight by Erin Hunter

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Warriors: Midnight (The New Prophesy) is part of many series of cats roaming in the forest. It is a fun book full of suspense and mystery, and I overall enjoyed it.

Divided into four clans of warrior cats, each clan has leaders, rules, and jobs each cat must accomplish. There is a fifth clan of cats though, whose name is StarClan. They are the warriors who have died, and give special messages to the Clans, warning them about upcoming dangers and helping guide them through rough times. When StarClan sends a message to Brambleclaw and three other cats from different clans to head to the sun-drown place, they realize it is urgent. The four cats (plus two extra who decide to come along) must unite, and face many dangers, tests, and problems that make the young cats stumble. Meanwhile, back at the clans, everyone goes crazy about the warriors’ disappearance. An ominous message sent by StarClan warns the cats there is danger ahead, stressing them even more.

I really enjoyed this book, it had a fun aspect to it while still involving captivating challenges and mysteries. I have read all six books from the previous series, and I was a little disappointed that this book did not quite meet my expectations. I was expecting more action in certain parts of the book, especially after the previous series. The beginning and end were great, I just felt the middle could have used more action. Overall, I thought it was a good book, and I’m excited to keep reading to see how the story finishes.

Warriors (The New Prophecy) Midnight by Erin Hunter is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Redwall by Brian Jaqués

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Redwall by Brian Jaqués is about a county of animals that live together in harmony. But when Cluny the Scourge, an evil rat only heard of in legends, comes to take over Redwall, the city of the mice, a brave young warrior steps up to save the day.

Ever since the passing of the great mouse warrior Martin, the forest has made a pact for Redwall to be a city of peace and wellbeing. This is so that any injured animal could come for aid, but in return Redwall could never be attacked: it was the unwritten law. However, Cluny the Scourge and his band of rats have tried to seize the opportunity of Redwall’s poor defense, and have made it their objective to break in and steal the valuables; starting with the mice’s precious Martin painting.

This is where Matthias comes in. As a young apprentice of Redwall, his duty is to obey Father Abbot at all times. The way of the mice is peaceful now, but Matthias longs to fight in an honorable war like Martin. When Cluny announces his threat, Matthias and his friend Methuselah try to find Martin’s long lost sword, shield, and belt. Cracking many clues, solving riddles, and an immense amount of courage Matthias is sent on a chase around the forest, hurrying to save his home before it’s too late.

Overall, I really liked the book. It had many unexpected plots, and the characters were well-thought out. It is a pretty thick book, so it took some time to read, but I really liked it. I would definitely recommend it to people who like animals but also adventure. There are 22 books in total in the Redwall series, and I would definitely keep reading them.

Brian Jacques’ Redwall series is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Green Ember Book 1 by S. D. Smith

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The Green Ember by S. D. Smith is about two rabbits called Heather and Picket and their journey to escape and conquer the wolves led by an evil bird named Morbin. Driven away from their home, Heather and Picket must escape the wolves, find a new home, and keep moving forward.

I really liked how descriptive the book was on the characters’ feelings, and it made them more lovable as well. Heather and Picket eventually stumble upon their secret uncle and their adopted cousin, which then lead them to a secret village called Mended Woods. This is a community full of hope and prosperity, determined to take back their land from Morbin’s rule.

Heather and Picket must then learn about their ancestry and the past before turning to face the world at its present. They must endure the hardship of their missing family, and must overcome their grief to follow their calling. Once befriending a nurse in training named Emma, Heather and Picket fit right at home in their new community, until they learn secrets on their family’s past that were better left uncovered.

Overall, I really liked the book and the suspense. (FYI: many chapters end in cliffhangers!) It is kind of like a good vs. bad kind of book, but also talks about hope during hardships and endurance. No matter how hard the challenge, the characters seem to overcome it, even when facing tremendous suffering. The book is sometimes too descriptive, and goes on and on with details, but is also really engaging at times.

I think this is a good book that has a message to have hope and overcome adversity no matter how hard your challenge is. There are many more books in the series, and I am excited to read more! I would recommend this book to others who like to read about adventure and a little suspense. Overall, I really liked The Green Ember and would recommend reading it.

The Green Ember by S. D. Smith is available to download for free from Libby.

“Find Your Porpoise” By M. C. Ross

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Find Your Porpoise by M. C. Ross is a heartwarming tale of a dog named Lars, his owner Natalie, a porpoise called Bangor, and a new otter called Marina. After meeting Bangor in the first book A Dog’s Porpoise, Lars and Natalie have become great friends with the porpoise. But everything changes when tourists come gathering around Ogunquit, Maine to take a glimpse of the famous porpoise pod.

As if things weren’t bad enough, a new otter comes in and steals the spotlight. Lars has to learn to share not only his reputation but his best friend. Lars starts to hate Marina and despise her. Conflict between the two grows, but in the end they each learn a valuable lesson of friendship.

Meanwhile, Natalie struggles between her new job on her stepdad’s boat, school, Marina (the otter) and a sketchy new citizen called Adam. When she finally suspects Adam is up to no good, she jumps to conclusions and her actions get the best of her.

With both of their judgements clouded, Natalie and Lars overlook the danger of tourist boats for their friend Bangor. In getting in a fight with his mom, Bangor is determined to ignore the rules and escape his pod to go see his human, dog, and otter friends. But it takes Bangor getting hit by a boat and a lot of team work for all three to acknowledge their mistakes.

Overall, I liked the multiple plots in the book, and thought it was a fun story. Each character learns a different message from their experience and sort of shares the knowledge to the reader as they read throughout the book.

I really recommend this book, and I am looking forward to reading more books from this author. Write in the comments below if you think this is a book you would read.

No-bake banana coconut truffles

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When I went to Argentina (a country in South America) to visit relatives my cousin brought these truffles and shared the recipe. I have eaten them ever since! They are easy to prepare, full of protein, and overall delicious! As well as a perfect school snack, these truffles do not melt and require few ingredients! I hope you enjoy these yummy treats as much as I did! 😋

Ingredients:

2 mashed bananas

1/2 cup peanut butter

3 tblsp cocoa powder

1-11/2 cups shredded coconut + 1/2 cup shredded coconut for coating

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 tblsp chia seeds

3 tblsp honey (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients into a bowl. If your mixture has too much banana add more coconut to even it out.
  2. Let the bowl chill in the fridge for about 1 hour.
  3. Once the mixture is ready, place the extra shredded coconut onto a small plate.
  4. Scoop mixture with your hands and form small balls. Roll them in the coconut until they are fully covered. Repeat rolling them in coconut until all the mixture is gone.
  5. Leave refrigerated until eaten.

If you are allergic to peanut butter, try using almond butter or any other nut butter. The honey is optional, and the walnuts are recommended. One of my favorite ways to eat these truffles are with smoothies. I also like to eat them as deserts after meals. This helps promote healthier eating habits.

I hope you enjoy the truffles!

What did you think of this recipe? Leave your comments below!

A WOLF CALLED WONDER

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A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry is a poetic and well-written book. It takes readers on a journey with a young wolf who gets separated from his family when a rival pack attacks. He must learn to hunt, to find water, but most importantly find a place to call home.

Wander (the wolf in the story) is a good example of never losing hope. After a massive injury trying to hunt an elk all alone, Wander is on the verge of starvation.

But he keeps thinking of finding any of his pack’s survivors, which helps him carry on. Wander soon meets a raven, with whom he forms their own pack to benefit both of their needs. Together, this dynamic duo overcome starvation, hunters, a wildfire, and even manage to find a happy ending for both.

This book is based on the true story of a wolf named OR-7, or Journey, who traveled an astonishing 1000 miles+ from Oregon to Northern California. He lived twice the average wolf’s lifespan. More information about wolves and Journey can be found at the end of the book. 

OR-7 (Journey)

Wander finds many challenges to overcome, therefore making the book a page-turner. And Rosanne Parry’s talent with words gives an in-depth look to Wander’s emotions and feelings. She uses a very poetic style of writing which absorbs readers in the story, giving them a wolf’s view of the world. 

I did feel it is more like a long poem than a book, but I liked the story it revealed. I would really recommend this book to kids who like artistic and creative stories. Overall, I enjoyed A Wolf Called Wander and think it is a book worth reading.

A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.