That phrase pretty much summarizes the feeling of twelve-year-old protagonist Porter Redmond. He just wants to hang out with friends at school and play soccer. Unfortunately, he must train to eventually replace his mother who is the gatekeeper between Earth and the parallel universe of Pericael.
The action begins almost immediately. Readers must quickly assimilate background information to keep up. While the action is nonstop filled with magic and fantasy, younger readers might have some difficulty at the outset. The vocabulary is rather complex and not intuitive. Slower or reluctant readers might not have the patience to stay with it to the end. I would classify it more of a young adult rather than a middle-grade choice.
The plot and characters would also appeal to an adult audience.
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Adventure in Butrint National Park (Magilicious Journeys Book 1)
Written by Barbara Pinke
Illustrated by Tehreem Igbal
Siblings Simon and Olivia experience mixed emotions when waking up in a new house. They feel sadness at friends left behind but nervous anticipation of new adventures.
That anticipation is heightened when they discover a magical book hidden in the floorboards of Olivia’s room. They decide to visit Butrint National Park in Albania as they already possess a keepsake to activate their time travel. Soon they whisk readers off making a new acquaintance who serves as a tourist guide.
Not long after, tragedy strikes when a precious statue is stolen. The siblings must confront a band of pirates. Will Olivia and Simon find their way home safely? The answer is at the end of this first book in a series, perfect for new chapter book readers. The book is packed with information about Albania. There are a plethora of learning activities including mazes, puzzles, reading comprehension, and design activities which also appeal to middle-grade readers.
Highly recommend this series to parents and teachers of children ages eight and older.
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Allie Strom and the Ring of Solomon: A Middle Grade Fantasy (Bringer of Light Book 1)
Written by Justin M. Stone
How much bad news can one twelve-year-old handle? Allie has just learned her best friend is leaving, her mom has been deployed overseas, and Allie is about to start seventh grade in a new school.
If that were not enough, Allie faces bullies, her mother’s disappearance, and finding a necklace belonging to her mother that appears to have mysterious powers. This is the first book of a series that contains themes familiar and popular to a middle-grade audience but written in a way to appeal to an older audience as well.
Allie meets Daniel who will participate with Allie on her quest. I enjoyed the interesting sketches of the characters included in the book that make them come alive. This feature also will engage reluctant readers.
Readers of coming of age, paranormal, fantasy and magic will find something to like here.
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Remy is a quiet, introverted child who suffers from disfigurement. He spends most of his time reading and hanging around his adopted father, Clint’s shop. Clint holds lots of secrets and magic in a special room that keeps Remy intrigued. Remy has benefited from the knowledge gained from patrons visiting the shop.
As Remy grows older, and ventures outside into the world with Clint, he will discover danger in many forms. Interesting characters, mythical creatures like dragons, ice-horses, and Phoenix lie in wait at every turn to trap and ensnare them.
This is the first book in a series. The fact that this book is part of the Vella program is a bit disappointing for those readers who prefer to binge read a series.
Recommended for older middle school, young adult, and adult audiences, particularly in the fantasy and coming of age genres.
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Math Dragon: fun fast-paced beginning chapter book series for kids 8-11 (Junkyard Adventures 10)
Written by Tevin Hansen
Book 10 in the Junkyard Adventures pits two angry dragons against each other.
When Eli and Grace arrive at Larry’s secondhand store, they cannot find Uncle Larry. Instead they discover Professor Harvard who is temporarily watching the store. Despite Larry’s absence, a new fantasy adventure involving a war between two diverse dragons, the Word Dragon and the Math Dragon erupts and the children find themselves in the middle of it. Must the siblings choose a side? Can they restore order and find a way back to the present to escape the turmoil?
Non-stop adventure and colorful characters continue to enthrall chapter book readers from ages eight up. A fascinating independent read or classroom read aloud.
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A young girl visits her grandparents but everyone at the home seems to be too busy to play with her. In desperation, she finds her grandfather dozing on the couch. She takes him by the hand and suggests that they go on a trip. Turns out grandpa has an active imagination as well.
Together, they journey to places on each of the seven continents from the frigid Antarctica to a bustling New York City. Before grandma calls them for dinner, they manage to run through the jungle, swim under the sea, build sand castles and ride on a gondola.
Soft watercolor illustrations, crisp rhymes, and imagination gone wild combine to create a pleasing narrative for beginning readers.
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The World is Our Playground Series Book 3: Nanak and Tara’s PhilippineAdventure
Written by Jamal Kaur Singh
Illustrated by Ronald Santos
This is my first time reading a book in this series which encourages elementary students to learn about the history, customs, beliefs, traditions, and languages of countries around the world.
The picture book is richly illustrated in vibrant colors and the bold font of the text makes it easy to read. I particularly enjoyed the mini language lessons which encourage readers to communicate in an unfamiliar language while enjoying the adventure. Readers explore the islands while experiencing its history, foods, celebrations, and family ties.
There are questions at the end included to test comprehension of the story. The author presents a lesson plan before the story begins. Background about the series and its characters as well as a summary of the author’s mission comes at the very end.
The book is packed with useful information that children will enjoy. I would suggest putting that background at the beginning to familiarize new readers upfront and then including the lesson plan toward the end.
Highly recommended for parents and teachers to teach about other cultures in an entertaining format.
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Sea Serpent of Science: a fun and fast-paced chapter book series for kids 8-11(Junkyard Adventures Book 2)
Written by Tevi Hansen
Siblings Eli and Grace find themselves back at Uncle Larry’s antique store shopping with their dad for a second-hand ladder. This is another book of the Junkyard Adventure series which opens up the door to adventure and learning for beginning chapter book readers.
In this adventure, readers are treated to an adventure with a sea serpent who is a marine biologist who guides them on a scavenger hunt. Finds include rare jellyfish, underground caves, pufferfish, and some pretty creepy specimens of marine life. All is not smooth sailing because a sixty foot shark attempts to block their way.
Eli and Grace are determined to finish their quest. Readers learn marine science while being immersed in an undersea adventure. Recommended particularly for ages seven through eleven.
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Publisher’s Synopsis: Chipper the Fox and his Arctic friends travel to summer camp for fun in the sun! After an amazing summer, how will they stay in touch with their new friends and keep their summer adventure going?
Kimber Morgan is a multi-award-winning children’s book author who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kimber is a fun wife and imperfect mom of 3 crazy kiddos and two little lemon (problematic) dogs. She tries to live her strengths the best she can. Morgan is a homemade Halloween costume type of mom who lets her kids mix the Play-Doh. She bakes fun birthday cakes (cutely, but far from perfection) and loves a homemade Valentine and a school project.
Writing children’s books is an extension of her creative strength. She strives to create picture books that are beautiful, engaging, humorous, and with themes of acceptance and kindness. She hopes you love reading her works. Kimber is available for author visits and wants to connect with you.
Chipper and his friends from the arctic region decide to go south on a camping vacation. When they arrive at Bright Stars Camp, they immediately forge new friendships. They engage in activities like archery, swimming, sunning on the beach, and racing competitions.
Alas, the time moves swiftly. How will they continue the bonds formed here over until seeing each other again next year. Each of the arctic friends attempts to send gifts to their new friends, but none arrive safely. Finally, they discover the perfect gift. Can you guess what it is?
This charming rhyming, animal picture book contains illustrations that are delightful to look at and fun to read. I would suggest it as a bedtime story or group read aloud for preschool and primary grade children.
Enter for the chance to win a paperback copy of Chipper Sends Sunshine and an Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet! Good luck!
Enter for the chance to win a paperback copy of Chipper Sends Sunshine and an Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet! Good luck!
Publisher’s Book Summary: Vivienne in Paris follows a young Parisian girl on a journey through Paris to find what makes her tick. Join Vivienne as she discovers the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of the city that make her feel alive. What better place to explore, observe, and delight in her senses than Paris?
This book tells a story of mindfulness and insight into how the surrounding world can really move you. It unites curiosity, wonder, and marvel to enlighten, surprise, and tickle your deepest spirit. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that bring you the greatest joy.
Owner Entrepreneur, first-generation American, writer, and mother to four children. Maria Castellucci Moore strives to bring passion and enthusiasm to all her endeavors. A lover of all things European, María has found great passion through her travels to Paris, Italy, Spain, and South America. Her affection for winemaking, foreign languages, the arts, ballroom dancing, and traveling has given María a unique and grateful perspective on life. Her love for her family and helping others through charitable giving has enabled María to thoughtfully curate purposeful life adventures.
María Castellucci Moore earned her bachelor of arts degree in finance from Dominican University on a tennis scholarship, and later pursued studying at New York University and the London School of Economics with a focus on global affairs. In 2016, with her siblings, Maria founded Castellucci Napa Family, a luxury wine and real estate brand. María runs her wine label and a family real estate development company in the greater Bay Area. She is a board member of the San Francisco Opera Guild and is enthusiastic about building opportunity and community through the arts.
María resides in Saint Helena, California, with her husband and four young children. She enjoys writing; traveling; attending the opera, ballet, and symphony; flower arranging; winemaking; ballroom dancing; and playing tennis and the piano.
Come tour Paris through the eyes of a child. Vivienne takes the advice of her grandfather who counsels her to experience her favorite places by opening her mind and heart.
Vivienne sets off on her bicycle to revisit her favorite friends and places in Paris. This time she allows her senses to totally immerse her. She smells the food, the flowers, touches the fabrics, feels the wind, sees the beauty of its buildings, and hears its voices. Suddenly, ordinary surroundings flood her body and mind with rich imagery. Vivienne’s readers magically accompany her on a journey that feeds their imagination.
I appreciate the way Moore challenges her readers with new vocabulary, exciting verbs, and fanciful forms. The beautiful illustrations complement the text perfectly and entice elementary school age readers to travel to Paris on an armchair adventure they will want to repeat over and over.
GIVEAWAY
Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a signed hardcover copy of Vivienne in Paris and a Kindle!
One (1) winner receives:
– A hardcover copy of Vivienne in Paris signed by Maria Castellucci Moore
October 1, 2023
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