4 stars Fast-paced, action-packed historical fiction centering around the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. The earthquake itself happens fairly quickly. There are some interesting facts surrounding earthquakes in the text, but much of the story deals with Leo’s life before the disaster and the resulting fires following the quake. It does contain some useful information…
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4 stars A fast-paced story that pulls the reader into a magical world of fascinating creatures. Auggie lives on an island and uses his talent to care for the wonderful animals who roam there. Though helped by Fen, Miss Bundt, and the unseen Professor Cake, what Auggie really wants is a friend. The artwork pairs…
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3 stars An interesting fictionalized story surrounding the shark attacks of 1916. I liked this original novel slightly more than the graphic novel adaptation (though I do like that there is more information in the backmatter of the graphic novel). This is the first book I’ve read in the series. They are very popular at…
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5 stars A fractured fairy tale featuring a new take on Rumpelstiltskin. I loved every word! I’m a sucker for fairy tale retellings, especially those featuring misunderstood villains. Shurtliff’s version was right up my alley. I loved the way she played with the power of names and destinies. Featuring magic, pixies, trolls, royalty, witches, gold,…
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4 stars Weird and wonderful. Exactly what I’ve come to expect from Tan. As always, he creates a fascinating world, filled with mystery and wonder. Through mistakes, fights, and reconciliation, follow two boys through their adventures. Each page has its own story, depicting an event in one remarkable summer. From parades and parties to undercover…
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2 stars Okay read. I’ve since gone back and read the original novel and found the original to be a less sensationalized account. The artwork in this is too over-the-top. The incorporation of historical facts into a fictionalized story was interesting. Tarshis gives Chet a whole backstory and his own struggles outside the shark storyline,…
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3 stars Told in short chapters with simple language, this fictionalized account of Ivan’s story places Ivan at the center, giving him voice and agency in making change for himself and his friends. A wonderful story that highlights the importance of animal rights and the ethical treatment of animals. Applegate uses many of the real…
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4 stars A hilarious collection of poems that taps into the whimsey, humor, imagination, and oddity of childhood. Great for those who enjoy Shel Silverstein or as an introduction to poetry. These poems are wonderful to read aloud and are paired with fun drawings from James Stevenson that really bring them to life. Throughout the silliness, there are also…
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4 stars Ten authors pair up with Chad Sell to create interconnected stories from the world of the Cardboard Kingdom. Sell does the artwork throughout, giving it consistency while letting the characters and authors shine. Reality and fantasy converge as the neighborhood kids play their way through summer, making new connections and learning lessons along…
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4 stars A delightful read with some truly heartwarming moments. This book does a great job of blending the simple with the complex. There’s the obvious appeal of magic, dragons, and other mystical creatures, but it also pulls in some more mature themes and emotions including loss, guilt, and shame. This is a well-rounded read…
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