Here are my reviews of books from publishers through my YA material review group. Thank you to all the publishers!
Bunny vs Monkey: Book 1 by Jamie Smart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bunny vs. Monkey is a hilarious graphic novel for kids! Told in many short stories, it is an easy and quick read and will keep kids entertained with the adorable and fun illustrations.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bunny vs. Monkey is a hilarious graphic novel for kids! Told in many short stories, it is an easy and quick read and will keep kids entertained with the adorable and fun illustrations.
The Taken by Inbali Iserles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The first in a series, this exciting read introduces us to Isla, a young fox who is trying to find her family. When Isla meets Siffrin, a fox experienced in “foxcraft”, Isla soon learns that her brother and she are being hunted by the Taken, foxes who are under the control of the mage. Isla has yet to learn why exactly she and her brother are so special, but is determined to find him and discover the truth. Written by one of the authors that make up “Erin Hunter”, this series will be enjoyable for readers who enjoy all of the Erin Hunter series.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The first in a series, this exciting read introduces us to Isla, a young fox who is trying to find her family. When Isla meets Siffrin, a fox experienced in “foxcraft”, Isla soon learns that her brother and she are being hunted by the Taken, foxes who are under the control of the mage. Isla has yet to learn why exactly she and her brother are so special, but is determined to find him and discover the truth. Written by one of the authors that make up “Erin Hunter”, this series will be enjoyable for readers who enjoy all of the Erin Hunter series.
MARTians by Blythe Woolston
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I am not quite sure what to make of this book. There is hardly any plot. Zoe is thrown into the working adult world, her mom leaves her, and she is left to fend for herself in a world dominated by the mega marts. We get no reason as to why her mom would just leave her. Apparently this is common, but why? I think this is less a book one would read for plot, and more meant to be a commentary on consumerism. There are some thought provoking points about society and consumerism, but the book fails to deal with a plot or why things are the way they are. This could have been better, could have given the reader more. I was also struck by a few typos throughout the book. Page 178: “Raoul used visit Juliette at work sometimes.” This book mentions being sexually responsible, but the only striking statement in the book is when Kral says “When it hits the fan, you come by my place and flash those zombie titties…” This was so out of place and unnecessary.
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I am not quite sure what to make of this book. There is hardly any plot. Zoe is thrown into the working adult world, her mom leaves her, and she is left to fend for herself in a world dominated by the mega marts. We get no reason as to why her mom would just leave her. Apparently this is common, but why? I think this is less a book one would read for plot, and more meant to be a commentary on consumerism. There are some thought provoking points about society and consumerism, but the book fails to deal with a plot or why things are the way they are. This could have been better, could have given the reader more. I was also struck by a few typos throughout the book. Page 178: “Raoul used visit Juliette at work sometimes.” This book mentions being sexually responsible, but the only striking statement in the book is when Kral says “When it hits the fan, you come by my place and flash those zombie titties…” This was so out of place and unnecessary.
The Art of Not Breathing by Sarah Alexander
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
On the one year anniversary of the death of her twin brother, Elsie tries to remember exactly what happened that day. All she remembers is that one second he was there, then he was gone, lost somewhere in the water on the beach. Now, after meeting Tay who takes her freediving, she is determined to face the water and find out the truth. As she gains pieces of memory back, she eventually uncovers the truth about that day.
While the plot is not incredibly complex, the characters are. Readers will be drawn in to all the characters and discover events through the growth of them all. Overall I enjoyed the drama of this book, but I have two issues. First, why did Elsie watch her brother have sex with his girlfriend? This was weird and didn’t serve any purpose, it really threw me off. Second, Dillon’s eating disorder should have been explored more.
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
On the one year anniversary of the death of her twin brother, Elsie tries to remember exactly what happened that day. All she remembers is that one second he was there, then he was gone, lost somewhere in the water on the beach. Now, after meeting Tay who takes her freediving, she is determined to face the water and find out the truth. As she gains pieces of memory back, she eventually uncovers the truth about that day.
While the plot is not incredibly complex, the characters are. Readers will be drawn in to all the characters and discover events through the growth of them all. Overall I enjoyed the drama of this book, but I have two issues. First, why did Elsie watch her brother have sex with his girlfriend? This was weird and didn’t serve any purpose, it really threw me off. Second, Dillon’s eating disorder should have been explored more.