Tag Archives: book review

The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell By Chris Colfer

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I read a lot when I was younger and remember many great literary classics. But the book I remember most fondly is The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer.

The series consists of six books and follows the adventures of Alex and Conner Bailey, who find themselves teleported to a magical world through a strange storybook. It was always my favorite book to escape from when I needed a break from reality.

The plot of The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell is fun and engaging! Colfer created a wonderful world of magic and wonders with many compelling characters. The characters are well-developed, with distinct personalities and motivations. The story keeps readers hooked with twists and turns, making it difficult to put the book down.

The book revolves around themes of friendship and the power of imagination. Through the characters’ experiences, the novel promotes the values of kindness, courage, and perseverance. For instance, Alex and Conner’s journey to find the Wishing Spell is not only a physical one but a mental one. They learn to trust their instincts and rely on each other, which ultimately helps them succeed in their quest. Their bond as siblings also grows, shown throughout a couple of books.

While The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell is entertaining, it can sometimes be predictable. Some story elements may need to be more complex for older readers. Still, it may have been intentional since the series is aimed at younger readers. The book relies heavily on familiar fairy tale characters and settings, which may appeal to only some readers. It is generally intended for younger readers from fourth to seventh grade. It may not be for everyone, and that’s okay!

Finally, The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell is a well-written and engaging novel exploring family, friendship, and imagination themes. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of surprises that will keep the reader wanting more. While the book may be predictable at times and may not appeal to all readers, it is an excellent choice for young readers who enjoy fantasy and fairy tales! The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell is a fantastic read. I highly recommend it!

Happy Reading!
Bella H.

The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Where the Red Fern Grows: A Spoiler-Free Review

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Sometimes the summary of a book doesn’t quite tell you enough about the book. You want something more detailed, to tell you if this book is truly for YOU. (Cause not every book is, and that’s okay!) So here is my spoiler-free review of the book. Is it for you? Let’s find out!

Where the Red Fern Grows is a story of a young boy named Billy growing up in the Ozarks with his family. His parents want to move out of the country and to a town so their boys can get education, but they are poor and money is few and far between. Billy, on the other hand, has no dreams of that. He wants, above all else, two beautiful coonhounds (hunting dogs).

Unfortunately, the dogs are far too expensive for them. Despite this, Billy thinks that with hard work and determination, he will be able to reach his dreams.

First, the basics!

This book is historical fiction, and stands at 304 pages, or 76,000 words. Not too long, for any worried about it! In comparison, its about the same length as the first book in the Harry Potter series.

A picture from the 1974 movie

You saw the cover with dogs, you knew it was coming-

This is a tragic story. It might be one of the things this book is most well-known for.

But…sometimes the most heartbreaking tales are the most powerful. I think that applies to this book. It’s heartwarming, heartbreaking, and wonderfully touching. Don’t let the sorrowful part of it stop you!

The book just makes you love these two dogs, Ann and Dan. Their bond is frankly inspiring, their empathy for each other unmatched.

(Personally, my dog could never do what they do. She’d give up in the first few minutes of hunting…)

I hope something in this post inspired you to read Where the Red Fern Grows, because it was definitely a hit for me. Thanks for reading!

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Golden Slipper by Valia Lind

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After being abused by her stepmother and stepsisters for years, Mira finally has a chance to escape to the human world and open her own flower shop after her best friend provides her an opportunity to work at the palace. However, with the threat of Baba Yaga looming overhead and her secret romance with the prince, Mira’s plans may yet be delayed.

The Golden Slipper is truly a fantastical wonder piece that beautifully retells Cinderella’s story. It’s filled with magic, wonder, and a budding romance between two people who come from completely different worlds. After each subsequent encounter with each other, the two begin to literally fall for each other as they prove that with the power of true love, they can overcome any spell, whether it be from a wicked witch or a fairy godmother.

Although their relationship has its ups and downs, as the two attempt to navigate through arranged marriages and a wicked stepmother, they only continue to grow closer and closer to one another. However, as the two dance with each other night after night at the masquerade ball, completely unaware of each other’s identity, feelings, and dark past, the two prove that anything is possible.

The Golden Slipper is a great read and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a little magic in their life!

Trial of the Sun Queen Book Review: SPOILER ALERT

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Today, I just finished reading a book called Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli. The book was amazing!

It was about a young girl named Lor, who was imprisoned by the Aurora King. Lor lives with her sister and brother, Willow and Tristan. The book starts with them dreaming about the possibility of escaping this nasty prison, known as Nostraza. But then, Lor starts a fight in the cafeteria room, and she gets sent to the Hollow, a hole in the ground with no food or water for 2 whole weeks. There are also monsters outside of the hole, designed so if the prisoner escapes, they will surely die.

Lor manages to survive 1 week, but one night, a man kidnaps her, and Lor wakes up in a gorgeous bedroom. She is confused how she got there, but she soon realized that she was the last tribute of the Sun Trials. Whoever managed to pass all 3 trials gets to ascend and become the Sun Queen.

The Sun King is known as Atlas, and I think you can tell where this is going. Atlas soon falls in love with Lor, and Lor returns the same feelings. I have to say, I really enjoyed this book the minute I picked it up. The plotline was so addicting! Lor is definitely my kind of girl, headstrong and stubborn. It’s really nice to see everything fall together throughout this book. I love the way the author described all of the characters, so while I am reading, I can imagine what the characters look like, and can start formulating a picture in my mind.

One tip: this book goes by quite slowly. If you are thinking about quitting, don’t! It will get a lot more interesting if you keep reading, trust me. Overall, it was a really decent book! Out of 5 stars, I would give it a 4.7! I can’t wait to read the next book, Trial of the Aurora King!

Tral of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli is available to download for free from Libby.

The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane by Russell Freedman

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The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane is a Newbery Honor award-winning book by Russell Freedman. This book is about the true story of Wilbur and Orville Wright, who are credited with inventing the first practical airplane. 

The Wright brothers were curious about flying machines since they were young, but their first business venture was a printing press, followed by a bicycle shop. When they heard about Otto Lilienthal’s gliding experiments in Germany, their interest in human flight grew. Wilbur wrote that “insects, reptiles, birds and mammals were flying every day at pleasure, it was reasonable to suppose that man might also fly.” Within just a few years, Wilbur and Orville developed a flying machine and became two of the most famous brothers in history.

I did not know much about the Wright brothers before reading this book, so I found it to be very interesting and informative. One of the main things that I learned from this book is how much trial and error the brothers went through. I was also unaware that many people had already tried to make flying machines before the Wright brothers. I was fascinated by the science involved with making an airplane.

I was also impressed by the Wright brothers’ childhood experiences. Wilbur and Orville were very close to each other. Wilbur said that from the time he was a little child, “my brother Orville and myself lived together, played together, worked together and, in fact, thought together.” They did not have any special training in science or engineering. They did not complete high school or attend college. They learned more by teaching themselves than by formal schooling.

Another thing that I enjoyed about this book is that it contains many photographs that were taken by the Wright brothers themselves. The brothers had taken up photography as a hobby long before they invented airplanes. As they experimented with different flying machines, they took many photographs to help them learn from their mistakes. They also wanted to record a photographic history of their work. As a result, we now have many beautiful photographs of their airplanes.

This is an inspiring book because it tells a true story of making something that seems impossible into reality. Through patience and hard work, the Wright brothers became two of the most famous inventors in history. I would recommend this book to anyone.

The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane by Russell Freedman is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Spoiler Free Book Review: A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder

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A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, by Holly Jackson, is an enticing young adult novel that all mystery loving teens should consider reading.

Earlier this month, while wandering the seemingly endless aisles of my local bookstore, I came across the section which holds my favorite genre of books: murder mystery. Gazing across the shelves, I noticed the novel, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, and decided to take it home since it was previously recommended to me by a friend.  

The book follows an ambitious teen, Pippa Fitz-Amobi, as she attempts to solve a cold case that has impacted her town immensely. Throughout the book, Jackson writes in a captivating and suspenseful tone that makes the book hard to put down.

While I personally loved the story of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, I would not recommend the novel to anyone under the age of 13 as it has some mature themes that are better understood by those who are at least in their teen years. My original desire to read this book stemmed from my interest in criminal justice and a want to see how this theme played out in the characters’ lives; I would recommend the book to anyone feeling the same way. 

The story of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder has also been confirmed to be a made for TV adaptation, so I recommend that anyone interested reads the book first!

–  Taylor O.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo

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Miranda Asebedo’s The Deepest Roots is a powerful novel that proves that friendship is an unbreakable force.

Rome, Lux, and Mercy are three girls of Cottonwood Hollow, born with magical abilities that seem to only attract evil. Rome is a Fixer—she can repair broken objects and understand mechanisms well, Lux can charm men into believing they love her, and Mercy’s magic conjures up an abundance of any item.

Rome is the main character of the story. She and her single mother struggle to pay the rent in their shabby, run-down trailer. Money is hard to come by and each day is a struggle. The support she receives from Lux and Mercy give her the strength to help her through these challenging times.

I enjoyed reading this book because of its realistic events and obstacles. Rome’s difficulties and responsibilities are authentic and add to her character’s budding independence. Mercy and Lux are two incredible friends to Rome that support her through thick and thin, even though they may not always get along.

This novel was a definite page turner. I enjoyed reading each page. However, throughout the book, there were a few crude concepts; Lux’s Mom’s abusive boyfriend and the unwanted attention Lux receives with her powers. Even in the dark times of Lux’s life, Rome and Mercy were there to rescue her—The hardships Lux faces only strengthen the girls’ bond.

Eventually, the three close friends learn that their powers are no curse rooting them to the ground; They are a precious opportunity to grow.

The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones

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I have many favorite book series, but The 39 Clues is the best. 

If you are a bookworm like me, you’ll know what I’m talking about regarding your favorite books. The book series, The 39 Clues, is an exciting adventure action pack that hooked me from the first page. 

The first book in the series is The Maze of Bones, written by the talented author Rick Riordan. It is filled with action from start to finish. 

It all began when their grandmother, Grace Cahill, was very sick and dying. Minutes before she passed away, Grace changed her will, leaving her descendants a new will with an impossible decision. They have two choices- take one million dollars or a clue from the 39 clues to an immense fortune and power. The Cahills were the world’s most influential family. The most well-known or influential people in the world are related to the Cahills, like Napoleon, Houdini, and even Mark Twain are all Cahills. 

Amy and Dan Cahill are two ordinary kids who suddenly find their family secrets- The 39 Clues. There are also super secrets and ancient societies. And some of their family members will stop at nothing to become the most influential people on earth. 

In this first book, The Maze of Bones, Amy, Dan, and their cousin Jonah dive headfirst into a whirlwind adventure that takes them worldwide. Their mission? To uncover the 39 clues that will lead them to a unique serum with world-changing powers. The hunt is on, and these kids are at the center to discover the Cahill family secrets.

The Maze of Bones is a worthwhile read, packed with action, adventure, family loyalty, and love. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as the plot’s unexpected ending will take you on a rollercoaster of suspense and action. It’s a non-stop, exhilarating read that’ll keep you past bedtime. It did me all summer of my middle school years.

The characters set The Maze of Bones apart. Amy and Dan are relatable characters, typical kids like us, and you’ll find yourself cheering them on every step of the way. 

The plot surprises and clever puzzles will challenge your brain to solve them before the characters in the book do.

So, if you’re in the mood to read an adventure mystery book, I highly recommend The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones for you. It’s an absolute page-turner and you will experience all the actions and adventures alongside these relatable characters and feel like you are solving the clue yourself. So buckle up and prepare yourself for a non-stop action-solving experience with Amy and Dan that will capture your imagination as they navigate a world full of secrets, where each decision means victory or defeat. 

Happy Reading!

Bella H.

The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Gone: An Awesome Book That Doesn’t Get Enough Fame

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In a post-apocalyptic world called the FAYZ, kids battle each other and a rising threat called the gaiaphage to try and stay alive.

This is the basic concept of Gone written by Michael Grant. Gone is the first book of a six-book-long series in which a bunch of kids have to cope with extreme hunger, looming danger, and confronting their greatest fears.

Gone starts off with the coming of an impenetrable barrier, called the FAYZ (or Fallout Alley Youth Zone) by its occupants. This barrier traps all kids under the age of fifteen in a certain area in southern California, cutting them off from the rest of the world. Their parents, teachers, older siblings, and even the police officers and firefighters that keep them safe have disappeared mysteriously, leaving the children to fend for themselves. A few brave youngsters–Sam Temple, Edilio Escobar, Caine Soren, and Diana Ladris–step up to try and keep the conditions inside the FAYZ under control, but their methods differ in drastic and dangerous ways. Groups begin to form within the barrier, causing tensions to spring up and fights to break out. The once-peaceful world of southern California turns savage and corrupt as every FAYZ occupant tries to find the best method of survival for his or herself.

The main issue of the first book (and the one I’m reviewing) is the possible disappearance of two of the main characters. In the FAYZ, once you turn fifteen, you disappear, and no one knows where you go. Maybe you go to the outside world, maybe you die. The two boys–Caine and Sam–try to find a way to fight the disappearance, to say no to the temptation of a possible way out of their new, war-torn world. In the meantime, however, each boy has to deal with other problems–fighting fires, trying to keep the FAYZ kids under control, stopping battles from ending in deaths. And of course, the other characters inject their own issues into the mix. Drake Merwin, a troubled and sadistic kid of fourteen, keeps trying to gain power within the FAYZ–doing anything to achieve his goal . . . including killing anyone who stands in his way. Conspiracies develop, causing seemingly loyal kids to turn evil.

The reason why I love this book so much is that it has great, lovable characters (such as Edilio Escobar) and a compelling plot. It draws me in because the characters are kids, everyday kids. The story shows that something this horrible could happen to people like me. This is what makes the characters so relatable. This book is up there with my favorites, and I’d recommend it to any lover of science fiction. It keeps readers asking the same question over and over: Which side will prevail in the end? What sacrifices will the characters make to keep their loved ones alive? Want to know the answers to these questions? Read the book to find out!

Gone by Michael Grant is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

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Genre: Young-Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction

In the not so distant future, in a place once called “North America” lies a not so distant country named Panem. Divided into 13 districts, with an uber rich Capitol, much of Panem lives in poverty and is there to serve only the uber rich. Every year the Capitol, where the country’s most rich and powerful people live, hosts a large, televised event called the Hunger Games: where 2 people from each district are chosen to fight to the death.

In District 12, Primrose Everdeen is chosen, until her sister, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her spot, along with a boy named Peeta. Once Katniss makes it to the Capitol, her eyes are opened to how the other side lives as everyone is well fed and healthy, showing her the unjust reality of life in the districts.

Once in the Hunger Games, Katniss must try and survive the harsh conditions of the environment while also trying to survive against her competitors who all also want to survive. From the twisting terrors that Katniss goes through, to the emotional challenges she faces, The Hunger Games is a truly enjoyable page turner.

Review:

I would give this book a 9/10 because it was a very interesting read that any teen or adult could enjoy. Here are some of my notes that though when I read this book:

  1. I really enjoyed this book because while it was interesting and mainly serious and dark, I liked how it was lightened with friendships and relationships that grew in the competition and throughout the book.
  1. I thought that the concept of this book was a very interesting one because, it sort of relates the past with the future as I thought that the games were similar to gladiator battles in Ancient Rome
  1. I thought that this book was a very captivating book that will make you never want to put it down until you finish it.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.