Book Review: Waverider by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: Waverider

Author/Artist(s): Kazu Kibuishi

Series/Standalone: Amulet (Volume 9)

Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Pages: 256

Publisher: Graphix

Year Published: 2024

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The highly anticipated, thrilling conclusion to Kazu Kibuishi's #1 New York Times bestselling series! After her confrontation with Ikol, Emily finally understands the stone's power and what she must do to defend Alledia from the shadows. As she travels to Typhon to help her mom and Navin. Prince Trellis returns to the Kingdom of the Elves to save his countrymen-- and confront the fraud who has seized power in the absence of a king. The threat of darkness follows all Stonekeepers closely, and it will take the strength of both new friends and old foes to conquer it... and survive."

My Rating: 4/5

I'm not sure what I expected for the end of the series, but it wasn't this. I guess I thought the ending itself would be a bit more epic, but I have to remind myself that this is for middle grade. So happy endings and endings that are open-ended might make sense for this age range. I liked it, I can see why people love it, and I look forward to getting it into the hands of preteens and middle grade students as time goes on.

Thanks for reading, 

Sidny

Book Review: Supernova by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: Supernova

Author/Artist(s): Kazu Kibuishi

Series/Standalone: Amulet Series (Volume 8)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Middle Grade

Pages: 199

Publisher: Scholastic

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Emily has lost control of her Amulet and is imprisoned in the Void, where she must find a way to escape the influence of the Voice. Meanwhile, Emily's brother, Navin travels to Lighthouse One, a space station where the Resistance is preparing to battle the approaching Shadow forces that would drain planet Alledia of all its resources. Emily and Navin must be smarter and stronger than ever to ensure Alledia's survival."

My Rating: 5/5

This installment in the series was such a great turn for the plot. Not only did we expand on the world, but we also expanded on the magic system, which was super interesting. I also love a little foreshadowing, which I can assume was present. Again, the art style is excellent, and I recommend it to both lovers of graphic novels and middle grade students alike. Loved it!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Title: When Stars Are Scattered

Author: Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Nonfiction

Pages: 264

Publisher: Dial Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Heartbreak and hope exist together in this remarkable graphic novel about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a Somali refugee to the Newberry Honor-winning creator of Roller Girl.

Omar and his little brother, Hassan, arrived in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya, seven years ago. Their father was killed the day they left home, and they haven't seen their mother since they joined their neighbours who were fleeing to Dadaab. Now Omar is eleven and Hassan is nine, and Omar has quit school to look after his brother, who has an intellectual disability.

When Omar is given the opportunity to return to school and carve out a future for himself and Hassan, he feels torn. He loves school and could have the opportunity to earn a coveted scholarship to a North American university- and with it a visa for himself and Hassan. But is it worth the risk and heartache of leaving his vulnerable brother for hours each day?

Told in Victoria Jamieson's engaging and accessible graphic-novel style and based on Omar Mohamed's gripping true story, this book is an intimate, important look at day-to-day life in a refugee camp."

My Rating: 5/5

I am currently taking courses to get my library tech diploma, and in one of my classes we were asked to discuss a middle grade age graphic novel, one of my classmates brought forward this one. What an incredibly moving and impactful novel!? For children and adults alike this offers an inside look at what being a refugee in a camp after going through incredibly traumatic life events looks like. I would highly recommend it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: These Are My Words by Ruby Slipperjack

Title: These Are My Words

Author: Ruby Slipperjack

Series/Standalone: Dear Canada Series 

Genre: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade

Pages: 200

Publisher: Scholastic Canada

Year Published: 2016

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Violet Pesheen is struggling to adjust to her new life at Residential School. She misses her Grandma; she has run-ins with Cree girls; at her "white" school, everyone just stares; and everything she brought has been taken from her, including her name- she is now just a number. But worst of all, she has a fear. A fear of forgetting the things she treasures most: her Anishnabe language; the names of those she knew before; and her traditional customs. A fear of forgetting who she was. 

Her notebook is the one place she can record all of her worries, and heartbreaks, and memories. And maybe, just maybe there will be hope at the end of the tunnel. 

Drawing from her own experiences at Residential School, Ruby Slipperjack creates a brave, yet heartbreaking heroine in Violet, and lets young readers glimpse into an all-too important chapter in our nation's history."

My Rating: 5/5

When I was younger I would frequently read the Dear Canada series and seeing that they have expanded the series to encompass some of Canada's less than shining moments interested me. For those who do not know Residential Schools were a cultural genocide planned to eradicate the Indigenous cultures in Canada. While we know some of the things that happened in these horrible environments we will never know all of the stories from these terrible environments. I wanted to read this to proof it for the school-age class in the childcare centre I work at. I would highly recommend reading this as it gives a look at the generational trauma that Residential Schools gave to the Indigenous people in Canada.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Primer by Jennifer Muro

Title: Primer

Author: Jennifer Muro & Thomas Krajewski

Artists: Gretel Lusky

Series/Standalone: Primer Series

Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Superhero

Pages: 159

Publisher: DC Comics

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Primer introduces a brand-new superhero with a colorful array of superpowers to explore.

Ashley Rayburn is an upbeat girl with a decidedly downbeat past. her father is a known criminal who once used Ashley to help him elude justice, and in his attempt to escape, a life was taken. he now sits in federal prison, but still casts a shadow of Ashley's life. In the meantime, Ashley has bounced from foster home to foster home and represents a real challenge to the social workers who try to help her- not because she's inherently bad, but because trouble always seems to find her.

Ashley's latest set of presumably short-term foster parents are Kitch and Yuka Nolan. Like Ashley, Kitch happens to be an artist. Yuko, on the other hand, is a geneticist working for a very high-level tech company, one that's contracted out to work for the government and the military. And it's Yuka's latest top secret project that has her very concerned. Developed for the military, it's a set of body paints that, when applied to the wearer, grant them a wide range of special powers. Fearful that this invention will be misused, Yuka sneaks the paints home, substituting a dummy suitcase with an ordinary set of paints in their place.

From here, signals get crossed. Ashley comes home from school one day with her new friend Luke, and thinking that the Nolans have purchased a surprise gift for her upcoming birthday, finds the set of paints. Being an artist, Ashley naturally assumes these are for her. It isn't long before she realizes that she's stumbled upon something much bigger and a lot more dangerous. Although she uses her newly discovered powers for good, it's not before the military become wise to what happened to their secret weapon. And this spells big trouble not only for Ashley, but her newfound family and friends as well."

My Rating: 4/5

This is such a sweet middle grade story. Not only does it have a girl who is going through some difficult life stuff at a young age, it shows her making friends and taking power into her own hands. The story itself is fun and heartwarming, the art is perfect and I would strongly recommend to middle schoolers. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo

Title: Midnight for Charlie Bone

Author: Jenny Nimmo

Series/Standalone: The Children of the Red King (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Urban

Pages: 401

Publisher: Orchard Books

Year Published: 2002

Format: Audiobook (Own Paperback Copy)

"A magical fantasy that is fast-paced and easy-to-read. Charlie Bone has a special gift- he can hear people in photographs talking.

The fabulous powers of the Red King were passed down through his descendants, after turning up quite unexpectedly, in someone who had no idea where they came from this is what happened to Charlie Bone and to some of the children he met behind the grim, gray walls of Bloor's Academy.

His scheming aunts decide to send him to Bloor's Academy, a school for geniuses where he uses his gifts to discover the truth despite all the dangers that lie ahead."

My Rating: 5/5

I remember reading these when everyone else was reading Harry Potter and that's when I knew I was a hipster. I liked something before it was cool. I'm joking of course. I read these when I was 10, and rereading them fills some nostalgic holes for me. It is middle grade so any amount of mystery is obvious to me, a 28-year-old lady. But it's a fun read. I understand that people compare these to Harry Potter, but they have enough differences to make it its own unique story.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Moth Keeper by Kay O'Neill

Title: The Moth Keeper

Author: Kay O'Neill

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Fantasy

Pages: 265

Publisher: Random House Graphic

Year Published: 2023

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Being a Moth Keeper is a huge responsibility and a great honor, but what happens when the new Moth Keeper decides to take a break from the moon and see the sun for the first time? A middle-grade fantasy graphic novel about passion, duty, and found family.

Anya is finally a Moth Keeper, the protector of the lunar moths that allow the Night-Lily flower to bloom once a year. her village needs the flower to continue thriving and Anya is excited to prove her worth and show her thanks to her friends with her actions, but what happens when being a Moth Keeper isn't exactly what Anya thought it would be?

The nights are cold in the desert and the lunar moths live far from the village. Anya finds herself isolated and lonely. Despite Anya's dedication, she wonders what it would be like to live in the sun. Her thoughts turn into an obsession, and when Anya takes a chance to stay up during the day to feel the sun's warmth, her village and the lunar moths are left to deal with the consequences..."

My Rating: 4/5

When I put a hold on this via the library I thought that it was just a picture book and so I thought it would be perfect for the kids I work with who are obsessed with catching bugs. Imagine my surprise when I got this sweet little graphic novel with just the most adorable art style. For who it's aimed for and what it is it is such a sweet little read. I would recommend to someone in the middle-grade age range. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban

Title: Paper Wishes

Author: Lois Sepahban

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction,

Pages: 192

Publisher: Square Fish

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"A moving debut novel about a girl whose family is relocated to a Japanese internment camp during World War II- and the dog she has to leave behind.

Ten-year-old Manami did not realize how peaceful her family's life on Bainbridge Island was until the day it all changed. It's 1942, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Manami and her family are Japanese American, which means that the government says they must leave their home by the sea and join other Japenese Americans at a prison camp in the desert. Manami is sad to go, but even worse is that they are going to have to give her dog, Yujiin, to a neighbor to take care of Manami decides to sneak Yujiin under her coat, but she is caught and forced to abandon him. She is devastated but clings to the hope that somehow Yujiin will find his way to the camp and make her family whole again. It isn't until she finds a way to let go of her guilt that Manami can accept all that has happened to her family."

My Rating: 4/5

I think this book needs to be in every school and readily available to all children. I think that this is a story that I didn't know a lot about as a Canadian, but the more I have read about these events, the more heartbroken I become. I feel that this is something that was overlooked for so long, but it's something that we all need to remember to make sure that these events do not repeat themselves. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Witchlight by Jessi Zabarsky

Title: Witchlight

Author: Jessi Zabarsky

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Middle-grade, Graphic Novel, LGBT

Pages: 208

Publisher: Random House Graphic

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Jessi Zabarsky's lushly illustrated shoujo-adventure comic that introduces Lelek the witch as she blows through town one day, kidnapping the peasant girl Sanja. The unlikely pair grow more entangled as they travel together, looking for the missing half of Lelek's soul- the source of her true magical abilities. Both women are seeking to learn, in their own ways, how to be whole again. This book collects the serialized story all into a single-volume, including the heart-griping conclusion and other all-new material."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This graphic novel was so sweet, and a quick cute read to enjoy. That being said, it was in the Young Adult section of my library and I would argue that this book could be considered middle grade, there is no real violence, or anything romantic that a 12-year-old couldn't have handled. It also just wasn't too fleshed out or complex to follow. Not that it's a bad thing, but for me, this book was just ok. I would recommend it to younger teens or middle-grade teens who are into graphic novels that include a romantic interest.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Wonder by RJ Palacio

Title: Wonder
Author: R.J Palacio
Series/Standalone: Wonder Series (Book #1)
Genre: Middle Grade, Contemporary
Pages: 315
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Year Published: 2012
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "I know I'm not an ordinary ten-year-old kid."

"'I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.'

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid- but his new classmates can't get past Auggie's extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Time bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie's point of view, but switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community's struggle with empathy, compassion and acceptance."

My Rating: 3.75/5

This book has touched a lot of people and made them think about their places in the world, as well as in other people's lives. I kind of knew what this story was about and some of the content matter, but I wasn't prepared for how brutal it got at some points. I enjoyed this story overall, I understand how it gained such traction and why so many middle schooler's read it. I just don't think it was for me 100% there were just some points that I thought could have been done better or actions could have been taken to tell more of his mother's story. That being said I enjoyed it and would recommend to anyone in middle school.  I'm excited to watch the movie adaptation as well. Anyone have a preference between the two?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: In Real Life by Cory Doctorow and Jen Wang

Title: In Real Life
Author: Cory Doctorow
Illustrator: Jen Wang
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Pages: 175
Publisher: Fir Second
Year Published: 2014
Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"Anda loves Coarsegold Online, the massively-multiplayer role-playing game where she spends most of her free time. It's a place where she can be a leader, a fighter, a hero. It's a place where she can meet people from all over the world, and make friends.

But things become a lot more complicated when Anda befriends a gold farmer-- a poor Chinese kid whose avatar in the game illegally collects valuable objects and then sells them to players from developed countries with money to burn. This behaviour is strictly against the rules in Coarsegold, but Anda soon comes to realize the questions of right and wrong are a lot less straightforward when a real person's real livelihood is at stake."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This graphic novel is a great quick read about the changes in economics and their relation to the internet and gaming. It was interesting to see how these things correlated as well as watching someone expand their horizons through gaming. That being said the story was short and just seemed like the slightest glimpse into the lives of the characters. I wish that we had gotten a little more. I would recommend this for the middle-grade age range rather than young adult.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Lumberjanes: Stone Cold

Title: Stone Cold
Author: Shannon Watters
Series/Standalone: Lumberjanes (Volume 8)
Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel
Pages: 112
Publisher: BOOM! Box
Year Published: 2018
Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"Five best friends at summer camp take friendship to the max when they team up to defeat the strange forces lurking within the surrounding forest.

Excited to have Barney starting their first week at the camp, the Roanokes run over to the Zodiac cabin, only to find everyone turned to stone! Between the strange shadows and Diane being back, it looks like April, Jo, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are going to have their hands full trying to find a cure for their friends... as long as they don't look the wrong thing in the eye first."

My Rating: 2/5

This was a disappointment. I feel that something in this series has changed and I just don't like it anymore. I think that it's been dumbed down and it doesn't hold the same elements that I once loved. It makes me really upset to see something start out so well and then just drop to such a different level due to artistic clashes. I may pick back up the series in the future but it won't be anytime soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau

Title: The People of Sparks
Author: Jeanne DuPrau
Series/Standalone: Book of Ember (Book #2)
Genre: Middle Grade, Dystopia, Fantasy
Pages: 338
Publisher: Yearling
Year Published: 2004
Format: Audiobook

"When Lina and Doon lead their people up from the underground city of Ember, they discover a surface world of color and life. The people of a small village called Sparks agree to help the Emberites, but the villagers have never had to share their world before. Soon differences between the two groups escalate, and it's up to Lina and Doon to find a way to avoid war!

In the riveting sequel to the highly acclaimed The City of Ember, Jeanne DuPrau explores the nature of conflict and the strength and courage necessary to overcome it."

My Rating: 3/5

I was hoping for something more throughout this story and it just wasn't all I hoped it would be. I certainly wouldn't describe this book as a young adult story. This story would be a great middle-grade read but I wanted something more from it. I think that I will continue this series via audiobook, but I'm not sure if I will continue immediately after listening to this one, or if I will wait for a few months to finish.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Title: The City of Ember
Author: Jeanne DuPrau
Series/Standalone: Book of Ember (Book #1)
Genre: Middle Grade, Dystopian, Science Fiction
Pages: 270
Publisher: Yearling Books
Year Published: 2003
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "When the city of Ember was just built and not yet inhabited, the chief builder and the assistant builder, both of them weary, sat down to speak of the future."

Citizen of Ember shall be assigned work at twelve years of age...
Lina Mayfleet desperately wants to be a messenger. Instead, she draws the dreaded job of Pipeworks labourer, which means she'll be working in damp tunnels deep underground.

Doon Harrow draws messenger- and asks Lina to trade! Doon wants to be underground. That's where the generator is, and Doon has ideas about how to fix it. For as long as anyone can remember, the great lights of Ember have kept the endless darkness at bay. But now the lights are beginning to flicker..."

My Rating: 3.25/5

This is a story that I had read in middle school and had thought about on and off throughout the years. After seeing a copy of this book and the second one in a used bookshop I thought that it was a good time to pick up the series and continue it. But before I could do that I needed to reread where it all started. I really enjoyed the stories interesting setting and the use of darkness throughout. I also appreciated the use of grief and loss throughout the story. I'm excited to continue this series and see where the author takes our characters.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

This is such a popular story from my middle school, and I appreciate it overall. I think that this is one of the first dystopian books I ever read, and it is an easy read that I would suggest for those in middle school, but it is enjoyable for older readers as well. I can't wait to see how the author takes our characters above ground. 

Characters:
Doon:I think that his need to become a hero is interesting and makes me wonder how he will cope in a new area where no one knows him. And where his finding the exit might be something negative rather than positive.

Lina: I wonder how running in the great outdoors will affect her. And how losing her grandmother so suddenly might have a backlash.

The Mayor: What a guy? I can understand how he did what he did when he believed that there was no hope.

Grandma: Hurts my heart.

Looper: I'd like to think that this wouldn't be a likely trait that people would develop but I wouldn't be surprised if many people took advantage of the system.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Battle of The Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

Title: The Battle of The Labryinth
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: Percy Jackson and The Olympians (Book #4)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Pages: 361
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Year Published: 2008
Format: Audiobook

"Percy Jackson isn't expecting freshman orientation to be any fun. but when a mysterious mortal acquintance appears on campus, followed by demon cheerleaders, things quickly move from bad to worse.
In this fourth installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Krono's army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop the invasion, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth- a sprawiling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn."

My Rating: 4/5

This reread has just been so awesome and I'm really getting more and more into the narration in the audiobook. Unfortunately, I remembered pretty quickly what I didn't like about this installment the first time I read it, and that didn't change with time. This series is so often catagorized as YA but in all reality it is more of a middle grade (that's just my personal opinion). I enjoyed the story overall and thought that it was an important stop to make before a huge finale but at some points it did feel a little bit like a filler book for the series. That being said, I plan to continue this series via audiobook and hope to finish it in the next few months (or when I can get my hands on the digital copy through Overdrive).

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Battle of The Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

So this reread has been a pleasant surprise, overall I still really enjoy the story line and the characters. That being said, this was not my favorite book in the series. Personally, I felt that this book felt alot like filler for the final book. Yes there was a development in the plot and the characters but I just found that it made me want to move onto the fifth book. I'm in it for when shit hits the fan. I also wasn't a huge fan of how there is an almost love triangle in this story. It just didn't do anything for me. I am looking forward to continuing the series but I'm not nearly as interested in the love idea as others may be (probably because I'm way older than 15 years old). 

Characters:
Percy: I think that while he's grown a fair amount, he still has a long way to go. Especially based on the way he acted in the love aspects of this book. He's grown as a warrior but still a a slightly hopeless 15 year old boy. I'm curious to see how his life will change now that everything about his life is setting into motion for the prophecy. 

Annabeth: I like her. She's stubborn and sarcastic, two things that I of course value. She's getting to be more likable book by book. I worry for her though based on her misplacing of trust. How will she cope if she has to meet Luke/Kronos head on?

Grover: He's an inspiration for the world to save the wild and I think that's something that isn't valued enough in this series or any series of ya/middle grade books for that matter.

Tyson: To see your hero rise from the ashes is an interesting idea. As well as the idea that you can become your own hero. 

Rachel: She's ok. I don't have a problem with her but I think I remember her fate in the series. And if I'm right that's kind of disappointing.

Kronos: This guys has it out for everyone. Talk about the ultimate villan. I kind of like that idea of the ultimate villan who gives no shits about who he hurts. 

Luke: Did he realize what he was getting into? If he did what would push him so close to the edge?

Daedalus: Probably my favorite character in this whole book because I have never seen a character regret an act quite as much as him. I think that his growth throughout the years was extremely well captured.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Penultimate Peril by Lemony Snicket

Title: The Penultimate Peril
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #12)
Genre: Fiction, Middle Grade, Mystery
Page: 353
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Year Published: 2005
Format: Hardback Copy (Library Edition)
First Line: "Certain people have said that the world is like a calm pond,, and that anytime a person does even the smallest thing, it is as if a stone has dropped into the pond, spreading circles of ripples further and further out, until the entire world has been changed by one tiny action."

"Dear Reader,

If this is the first book you found while searching for a book to read next, then the first thing you should know is that this next-to-last book is what you should put down first. Sadly, this book presents the next-to-last chronicle of the lives of the Baudelaire orphans, and it is next-to-first in its supply of misery, despair and unpleasantness.

Probably the next-to-last thing you would like to read about are a harpoon gun, a rooftop sunbathing salon, two mysterious initials, three unidentified triplets, a notorious villain, and an unsavoury curry.

Next-to-last things are the first thing to be avoided, and so allow me to recommend that you put this next-to-last book down first, and find something else to read next at last, such as the next-to-last book in another chronicle, or a chronicle containing another next-to-last things, so that this next-to-last book does not become the last book you will read.

With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket

My Rating: 4.5/5

This story is the next-to-last book. If you didn't gather that from the description above. It was a really interesting last book it took place with so many different characters from the children's past. It was great to read about I can't wait to finish the series. This series is asking young readers tough questions what is good, what is evil? Are we all morally grey? I just wish I would have completed the series at a younger age though, as the twists and turns might be more shaking.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny 

Book Review: The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket

Title: The Slippery Slope
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #10)
Genre: Fiction, Middle Grade, Fantasy
Pages: 337
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Year Published: 2003
Format: Hardback Copy (Library Book)
First Line: "A man of my acquaintance once wrote a poem called 'The Road Less Travelled,' describing a journey he took through the woods along a path most travellers never used."

"Dear Reader,

Like handshakes, house pets, or raw carrots, many things are preferable when not slippery. Unfortunately, in this miserable volume, I am afraid that Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire run into more than their fair share of slipperiness during their harrowing journey up- and down- a range of strange and distressing mountains.

In order to spare you any further repulsion, it would be best not to mention any of the unpleasant details of this story, particularly a secret message, a toboggan, a deceitful map, a swarm of snow gnats, a scheming villain, a troupe of organized youngsters, a covered casserole dish, and a surprising survivor of a terrible fire.

Unfortunately, I have dedicated my life to researching and recording the sad tale of the Baudelaire orphans. There is no reason for you to dedicate your-self to such things, and you might instead dedicate yourself to letting this slippery book slip from your hands into a nearby trash receptacle, or deep pit.

With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I really enjoyed the last book that I'd read in this series and was really looking forward to getting into reading them again, but unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me. I really thought that Lemony Snicket's writing style would continue to surprise me but it kind of went back to how I felt in the beginning of the series, that I had outgrown the story. I am going to continue the series, for the simple reason that I really need to hear about Beatrice and Lemony. I am far more interested in their lives at this point than the sad lives of the Baudelaire's. I know that this is going to catch a lot of flack from people who really enjoyed this series, but I'm hoping to get through the series and then collect my thoughts on the series as a whole.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Lightning Thief By Rick Riordan

Title: The Lightning Thief 
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: Percy Jackson and The Olympians (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Adventure
Pages: 377
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Year Published: 2005
Format: Physical Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "Look, I didn't want to be a half-blood."

"Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school... again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook, and into his life. And worse he's angered a few of them. Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. 
Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves."

My Rating: 4/5

This is a reread for me and one that's been long awaited. I loved these books when I was younger and the humour made my own middle school and high school experience laughable. I loved Rick Riordan's writing style and still do. I forgot how much I missed this world and this sense of humour towards mythology. I also enjoy the fact that this story gives mythology a new and interesting subject. I hadn't thought about it in a while. In all honesty the most recent time I'd thought about Greek mythology was while reading A Court of Mist and Fury. So this was a refreshing look at classic characters. I can't wait to reread the rest of the series and plan to during the coming months. The one aspect of the book I found lacking was the fact that Percy was only 12 years old while some of his actions made me believe he was closer to 14-15 years old. As an adult that's just a personal observation that I made while reading this book. I can't wait to see where the rest of this series takes me and hopefully start the Blood of Olympus series (is that what it's called).

Thanks for reading,
Sidny