Tag Archives: this kid reviews books

Dreamwalkers Part One By D.M. Andrews

1 May

dreamwalkerDreamwalkers Part One

By D.M. Andrews

41 Pages  – Ages 12+

Published in 2013 by D.M. Andrews (ebook)

Cal (age 17) liked to dream because it took him away from this world into a world where he wasn’t bullied. Cal didn’t know what to do when he learned that a girl from his dreams, Ash, is real! He hadn’t seen Ash in real-life before the day she joined his school (and sat next to him in English Literature class). Later he realized that they could “meet” in their dreams (and that if they get hurt in their sleep, they wake with a pain in our world). Cal and Ash together learn that they aren’t in control of “their” dream, and they want to find out who dreamed this place up. The problem is, the people who ARE in control (or under the control of the Guy In Control) are out to stop them!

This was a great YA novella (also good for middle graders)! I like the idea of the “Dreamframe” (as Cal calls it). It is a cool (and a bit scary) idea. It was a great first book in the series and I am anxious to read the next. There is no foul language or over-the-top violence, though Cal is bullied. I like Ash. She was a nice character. I also like Cal. He sounds a lot like me. He prefers books to almost anything else. ;) Mr. Andrews’ writing style is great. I like how the plots in his books are interesting and exciting. His descriptions of the worlds he creates for his characters really let you see what they are seeing. I think kids 12+ would like this novella.

I give “Dreamwalkers” 5 out of 5 bookworms.fivebooks

To learn more about Mr. Andrews, please visit his website by clicking HERE. Visit his facebook page HERE.

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Double Review: Lizzy Speare and the Cursed Tomb and Chase Danger Book #2!

10 Apr

Fist I want to tell you to click on over to Susanna Leonard Hill‘s blog because she is having a vote for the best March pitch from “Would You Read it Wednesday!” My revised pitch is there for the chapter book I wrote “The Adventures of Tomato and Pea.” The pitch that wins the vote gets to have it read by a real editor – Erin Molta! Click HERE to go THERE and vote!

lizzyspeare

Lizzy Speare and the Cursed Tomb

By Ally Malinenko

352 pages – ages 9+

Published by Antenna Books on September 10, 2012

Lizzy S. Speare didn’t know why a bunch of people were angry at her father. First she heard a man who had a weird discussion with her father about her. Then some guy with an eye patch showed up.When the eye patch guy came, Mr. Speare told Lizzy and her best friend, Sammy, to get upstairs. Upstairs, where they think they’re safe, the first guy appears and takes Lizzy and Sammy with him to his castle… in New York City! His name is Jonathan Muse, and he says he helped William Shakespeare with ideas. He says that he was Shakespeare’s Muse, and he is immortal. Lizzy finds out that she is the last living descendant of Shakespeare himself! That isn’t all! The second guy (eye patch guy), Dmitri Marlowe, is a descendant of Kit Marlowe (an English playwright), and has kidnapped Lizzy’s father! Lizzy, Sammy, and Jonathan need to get him back!

The story idea behind this book was excellent! The combination of action and adventure, fantasy, myths and Shakespeare is cool! I liked the Lizzy character a lot. She was nice, and adapted to situations well. She was smart too. The story read pretty well, in a couple of spots I thought it got hung up, but the story kept me totally into the book. I found a couple of editing errors, and the “D” word was used twice, but other than that, the book was good for younger readers. I love the myths the story highlights! I am planning on reading the next book in the series!

I give this book 4 out of 5 bookworms.fourbooks

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chasedanger2Chase Danger Super Spy: Pirates of Pineapple Island

by Chad Olivera, Lisa Olivera, and Chase Olivera

Illustrated by Adam Goodman

32 pages -ages 5+

Published by Magic Fire Music Studio in 2012

Chase Danger, seven-year-old super spy is back in an exciting adventure! Chase and Ali Bali (another 7-year-old super spy) fight evil villains together as a great team. Ali Bali’s brother gets kidnapped and Zalezgon’s magical pineapples are stolen by a band of pirates led by Captain Looney. The pirates plan on taking over the world (MWAHAHAHAHA!!!)  and it is up to Chase and Ali Bali to save the day!

I love the graphics in the Chase Danger books! This adventure was awesome too (just like the first, see my review HERE). I think the Chase Danger books has something for every young reader. Plus it comes with a read-along CD so kids who can’t read yet can follow along. The CD is also cool because there is music and sound effects.  The idea of 7-year-old super spies is cool and I love the Chase and Ali Bali characters. The action in the book is exciting enough for older kids, but not too scary for younger kids.

Five out of five bookworms for Chase Danger #2.fivebooks

For more super spy action, visit the Chase Danger website HERE!

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Stuart the Bug Eating Man by Calvin Innes

20 Mar

Before I get to today’s review, I want to tell everyone to go visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and vote for their favorite spring-time story in her “The In Just Spring” story contest”! The finalists are HERE to vote on. There were a lot of great entries! I am honored to mention that my story (Spring Schming) got an honorable mention. ;)

stuart

Tiny Twisted Tales: Stuart the Bug Eating Man

By Calvin Innes

69 pages – Ages 7+

Published by My Little Big Town on December 7, 2012

Stuart liked eating bugs. The squirmier the better. Sadly, his family didn’t share his unusual taste. His wife wanted him to get a job but Stuart didn’t know what to do. He never went to school and he has no talent other than eating bugs. Stuart finally realizes that being himself and doing what he likes is the perfect answer (even if it is kind of gross).

I am not a fan of gross-out books, but somewhere in all the bug-eating in this book is a nice message about believing in yourself. There are illustrations on each page of bugs or Stuart eating bugs (**shiver**) that went well with the story. The number of words on a page is small and I think younger kids and reluctant readers would love this book. The story is told in simple rhyme that doesn’t always flow the best, but is fun to read. The message of believing in yourself no matter what others think, is a good one. This is a great book for boys! “Stuart the Bug Eating Man” is part of a series called the “Tiny Twisted Tales” series, where each book can stand alone and be read out of order. The other titles in the series are-

Pale Henry

(about a kid who is afraid to go outside)palehenry

and

Jenny

(about an 8-year-old werewolf hunter)

twistedjenny

All the books in the series are about whacky/odd characters, but they also have a nice message in each book too. I recommend these books to kids 7+.

I give Stuart the Bug Eating Man 4/5 book worms (and I hope Stuart doesn’t eat them)!fourbooks

Learn more about the Tiny Twisted Tales HERE.

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My UBFP Newspaper Article – Rhythm and Rhyme for the Younger Set

5 Feb

I know I’m not supposed to be posting today, but I wanted to share the article I wrote for the Upper Bucks Free Press(the newspaper I write for) for the February issue! The online version was just published. To see the online version of the newspaper, click HERE (see page 16 ;) ). I am especially happy about this column because Renèe LaTulippe of No Water River helped me out with an awesome quote for the article. Speaking of Ms. LaTulippe, be sure to check out her blog on Friday because I am going to be a guest poet on it (YAY)!

I’d like to take credit for the title of my UBFP article, but my editor came up with it (and it is much better than the one I had ;) ). I hope you enjoy the article!

Rhythm and Rhyme for the Younger Set

Young kids usually like poetry. If you think about it, nursery rhymes, lullabies, and a lot of picture books are full of poetry. Rhymes make it easy for young kids to learn letters and words because they are easy to remember. Dr. Seuss is a favorite of many kids (and adults) and his books are full of poetry! Reading and writing poetry is good for older kids too. When reading a good poem it will make you feel what the author wants you to. Writing poetry is also a great way for kids to learn how to say what they are feeling.

 poetrybooks

“Poetry has so many benefits for kids!” says Renée LaTulippe, children’s writer and poetry blogger at NoWaterRiver.com. “The sound, rhythm, and imagery found in poetry helps kids learn to appreciate language and even gives younger kids some of the tools they need to learn to read. Older kids learn how to capture big ideas, experiences, and emotions in very few words, which helps them become better writers. And poetry encourages kids to use their imaginations to see everyday things in new and surprising ways: a tree can be a rocket ship or a sister can be a dragon. Reading poems out loud or acting them out, especially if kids get silly with the words and sounds, is a great way to reinforce drama and speaking skills, too – not to mention that it’s a lot of fun!”

 I am a kid who always liked poetry, especially silly or funny poetry. Jack Prelutsky is one of my favorite funny poets.  He has so many great poetry books out like “It’s raining Pigs and Noodles” and “Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face.” Reading silly poems like Mr. Prelutsky is what first got me into reading poetry and as Ms. LaTulippe said, writing funny poems can be a great way for kids to express themselves and it is fun to do.

 Shel Silverstein is another favorite poet of mine. His poems aren’t all funny, but they are great to read and they make you think and imagine what is going on in the poem. “Every Thing On It” is a great Shel Silverstein poetry book for kids and is one of my favorites.

 There are also great books that teach kids about different kinds of poetry and how to write it. One book that I really like is “Rip the Page!: Adventures in Creative Writing” by Karen Benke. The book has great writing activities that can inspire kids to write their own poems or stories. Jack Prelutsky also has a book called “Pizza, Pigs and Poetry: How to Write A Poem” that shows kids all different kinds of poems and gives ideas of where they can get ideas for writing from.

 There are many different kinds of poetry and all poems don’t have to rhyme. In fact, one of my favorite types of poems is a Haiku and Haiku don’t have to rhyme. A Haiku has 3 lines; the first and last have 5 syllables, and the middle has 7 syllables. Here is an example of a Haiku:

 Upper Bucks Free Press.

A great hometown newspaper.

Get all your news here.

 Speaking of Haiku, there is a great book called “Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys” by Bob Raczka. It is full of Haiku for each season and is related to things boys like to do and is a good way to get a boy reading poetry. If you look in the poetry section of your local bookstore or library, you’ll find all kinds of poetry books for boys and girls and for kids of all ages. Pick one up and encourage your kids to read (and write) some poetry!

 Renee LaTulippe is an awesome poet and children’s book author. Her website, NoWaterRiver.com has a ton of original poems and information about poetry.

For more book reviews, please check out my website at ThisKidReviewsBooks.com!

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Cracking the Code: Spreading Rumors by Kris Yankee

14 Jan

crackingthecodeCracking the Code: Spreading Rumors

By Kris Yankee

168 Pages – Ages 9+

Published by Nelson Publishing & Marketing on December 15, 2012

Toby Karlson (A.K.A. TK) was a pretty popular guy. That is, until he accidentally “hip checked” an elderly secretary at school when he was pushed into a table. Toby is suddenly hated and made fun of by pretty much every other 5th grader because rumors start going around about the incident which says that it is all Toby’s fault. His best friend, Drew, hates him the most and wants nothing to do with Toby and Toby doesn’t understand why. Toby wants to get his reputation back. He sees a chance when the 5th graders go camping, but needs help. Toby gets help from Morgan, a super smart but very “nerdy” kid. How can Morgan help Toby? And what about the class bully, who hates Toby too? Will Toby ever get his reputation back?

This was a good book about friendship, the harm of rumors and life as a fifth-grader. I do like the “code”. It is a series of rules Toby lives by and the “code” is the title of each chapter (like  “CODE 1 – No Matter What, Don’t Hip Check Little Old Ladies” – “CODE 2 – Sometimes Taking One for the Team Means Putting Your Head in a Toilet”). I like Uncle Jack, TK’s guardian (TK is an orphan). He’s pretty cool and sensible and gives TK good advice. I also like Morgan. There are a lot of references to ice hockey in the book which is fun for boys, but you don’t have to be a hockey fan to like it. Ms. Yankee also put some great humor in the story too. The word “cr**” appears a couple of times in the book. I don’t think it needs to be there, but other than that the book is a clean read. I recommend this book to kids 10+.

I give “Cracking the Code” 4 out of 5 bookworms.fourbooks

This is the second book by Ms. Yankee I have reviewed. She also wrote “Saving Redwind: A Wallpaper Adventure” (See my review HERE), a great fantasy adventure that I really enjoyed. To learn more about Ms. Yankee and her books, please visit her website by clicking HERE!

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Rebirth by Debbie Brown

7 Jan

rebirthRebirth
By Debbie Brown
181 pages – ages 14+
Published by GMTA Publishing on December 4, 2012

Aleksei didn’t know how it had happened. He didn’t even know WHO did it. Although he suspected it was aliens who were attacking the town. And he was trapped in some rubble from a building. He had lost all hope when two brothers, Mitch and Jamie, found him and dug him out. They hid and were able to steal an abandoned Jeep (all the humans abandoned town). They drove out of the town and picked up more kids they found along the way. The other kids were Krisztina, Ally, and the baby, J.J. The group of kids drove outside town into a park with hot springs and caves. They set up a shelter and lived there. They realize they are alone. They have no parents to help them and aliens all around them.  The kids have to get along, stay hidden in the caves and somehow manage to survive. until they came…

The Boxcar Children is one of my favorite series from when I was littler. I loved to read how the kids worked together. I especially loved the first book where the kids had to survive out in the woods in a boxcar and avoid being captured. I remembered getting very involved in that story. So why am I talking about the Boxcar Children? I felt the same way reading this book! I think it’s kind of a cool dystopian Boxcar Children book… only with aliens! :) The kids live in the woods with no adults… But then the aliens come and… Nah. Not gonna tell. ;) I LOVED this story! Ms. Brown’s writing style had me on the edge of my bean bag chair while I was reading it. The characters were great and they all had different personalities. The only problem I had with the book was the amount of cursing in it. I reviewed another great story Ms. Brown wrote, Amethyst Eyes (see my review HERE), and it didn’t have all the cursing. I think the cursing in this book could have been changed for younger kids to read. :( That was upsetting. The ending of the book was awesome and like Amethyst Eyes, there is a great message in the book about why we should care for our environment. I recommend this book to kids 14+.

I give “Rebirth” 4 out of 5 bookworms.fourbooks

To learn more about Ms. Brown and her books, please visit her website HERE.

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WOW! Where did 2012 go?

31 Dec

On the Eve of 2013…

2012 has been a good year, but it went to fast (at least I think so). I want to thank everyone who reads my blog and takes the time to offer me advice and help and comment here. I really like doing my blog and I like reading what everyone has to say about what I think about books. Well it’s New Year’s Eve. That means I get to talk about what I did last year, and what my resolutions are for 2013.

English: Father Time and Baby New Year from Fr...

English: Father Time and Baby New Year from Frolic & Fun, 1897 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

First I want to thank the Bodhimoments blog for nominating me for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award! Please check out Bodhimoments !

inspiringblogger

Dr. Clune of On The Plum Tree nominated me for a 2012 Blog Of The Year award! Dr. Clune’s blog is an awesome place for poetry, stories, books and art. Please check it out if you haven’t (Click HERE).

Blog of the Year Award 1 star jpeg

To accept these awards I am supposed to link back to the blogs that gave them, tell some things about myself and nominate some more blogs for the awards.

I figured I am telling you in this post about my New Year’s goals from 2012 and for 2013, so that’s things about myself. I also can’t pick which AWESOME blog to pass the awards on to so just check out my side bar and see all the great places I like to visit and I, Sir Erik, pass these awards on to thee! :D

Now on to the New Year!

What I did in 2012!

  1. I worked on my MS-in-progress.
  2. I wrote 4 manuscripts for 12×12. My goal for 12×12 was to write 1 PB and I wrote 4!12x12-large
  3. I enjoyed doing Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Fridays.PPBF
  4. I finished the unabridged version of  “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” by Jules Verne (FINALLY)
  5. I completed PiBoIdMo 2012 and got 30 AWESOME ideas.piboidmo12participant
  6. The world didn’t end on December 21st (I don’t think this was an accomplishment for just me, but it would have really stunk if it did).
  7. I flew on 4 planes.
  8. I met and got support from the nicest people all over the world through my blog! :D Thank you to everyone!

Next – What I think I will do (and what might happen).

  1. I will finish my MS.
  2. I will participate in PiBoIdMo 2013.
  3. I will try to finish the unabridged version of “The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas (maybe next year I will try to read it in the original French).
  4. Someone will say the world will end again. *sigh*
  5. After I got my black belt in TaeKwon-Do and we moved, I started to study Karate and Jujitsu. I hope that in 2013 I will go up in rank in Karate and Jujitsu (I am currently a yellow belt).
  6. I will try to convince my parents to get me a library ladder for my own personal private library. ;)
  7. Read 250 or more books of any kind.
  8. Be nice and kind to everyone I meet.
  9. Beat my school’s Advanced Reader reading record. The current record is 950 points (it ends in May). I had 612 points before we left for Christmas vacation. My goal is to shatter the record with a score of 1500+ points!
  10. Read more Nonfiction.
  11. Stick to my posting schedule when I can.
  12. Do my best at everything I try.

How about you? What is your most important goal in 2013? What was the best goal you reached in 2012?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Happy new year

Happy new year (Photo credit: Amodiovalerio Verde)

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Ten-Year-Old Erik Is No Longer Reviewing Books

24 Dec

I have an announcement that may shock some of you. Ten-year-old Erik will no longer be reviewing books.

Why?

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BECAUSE TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY AND I AM 11!!

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I wasn’t going to post a review today, but I just read a good book by an author I really like. For my first official review as an eleven year old, I am going to tell you about a Christmas story I just read by Nicola Palmer, the author of the Alice Parker series (which are awesome books you should read).

One Strange ChristmasOne Strange Christmas

By Nicola Palmer

Published by Kallisto on November 8, 2012

Ages 7+

OH NO! There’s blue snow on the ground this Christmas, and Jake blames himself for it. Last night, Jake woke up and saw a beautiful snow globe by his bed. He then wished for snow and an exciting Christmas day. Now look at what’s happened – BLUE snow!!! The very weird thing is, it’s only on their street! That is strange! Jake meets Eric (don’t you love that name ;) ), the elf, who takes him to Santa’s ship (his modern sleigh) and meets Santa. Most of Jake’s family didn’t believe in Santa but Jake did. Santa explains to Eric how he accomplishes everything he has to do on Christmas Eve. Santa also tells Jake that his future will be changed forever (but in a good way).

This Christmas story is a great read for kids and adults. I thought the story plot was very unique. I thought the part of the story that tells you that you have to believe to see things (like snowmen are really alive). It is a nice more modern story for the holidays. It has a lot of funny parts to it. I really love Ms. Palmer’s Alice Parker series and this story is written just as well. If you are looking for a fun Christmas story for your kid (or yourself), I recommend “One Strange Christmas”!

Five out of five bookworms for One Strange Christmas! fivebooks

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Chug The Bug: Chug Makes New Friends By Robert B. Hill and Brent Angie

17 Dec

mza_367884220627570142_320x480-75By Robert B. Hill and Brent Angie

Illustrated by Erin Koehler

28 Pages – Ages 4+

Published by Kid’s Play Books, LLC on July 25, 2012

*3D book app reviewed

Chug the Bug wondered what type of bug he was. He is furry, had lots of legs, and could roll into a ball. On the first day of mza_9093685666183686430_320x480-75school, Chug walks along and meets lots of bugs also walking to school. Chug hopes to make friends. The other bugs know what type of bug they are. Will Chug ever get to know what he is?

mza_6722643151630078941_320x480-75I reviewed the 3D book app version of this story. I wasn’t sure what 3D meant until I got the book. WOW! The illustrations are cool and they are 3D! The story is cute with really nice rhyme. I think pre-school kids will love the story and older kids will love the graphics. I like the noises accompanying the pages. You can tap different interactive things on each page.  The interactive objects are very cool. The graphics are just awesome. I think kids 4+ would enjoy this app!

I give “Chug the Bug”  5 out of 5 bookworms!fivebooks

Chug The Bug: Chug Makes Friends is available as an ebook at AMAZON or iTunes. The interactive app (what I reviewed) is available at iTunes or the Mac APP store.

To learn more about Chug the Bug, please visit the official website (there are also some games and activities on the site)  HERE.

The trailer shows how cute the illustrations are! :D

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The Storytellers: Anterria Book 1- by Rebecca McKinsey

29 Oct

HELLLOOOOO FRANKENSTORM a.k.a. Sandy! Thank you for giving me a day off of school but I hope you don’t knock out our internet connection! If I am gone for a couple of days, you’ll know why – no electricity, but I am hoping that doesn’t happen. I hope everyone in the path of the storm is safe and dry!

Now on to my review!

Storytellers: Anterria Book 1

By Rebecca McKinsey

230 pages – ages 9+

Published by Booklocker.com, Inc. on December 15, 2010

Hannah Merchant was a tomboy that liked creating her own worlds and stories. One day she was at a party her wealthy parents made her go to. She snuck up to the library of the building and started writing in her journal. When she got bored of that, she went outside, and everything went black. She awoke and found herself in the path of Aaron McKay, who was being chased by an evil shadow creature. He pulled her along until they were safe and far away from it. Aaron took her to a train station. There he explained some of the things that were going on, like the reason he was being chased. Hannah finds out she is a Storyteller, like Aaron and she has powers she never knew she had. Books and illustrations  The train conductor took Hannah and Aaron to Anterria, a world different from ours. There they enter a dangerous war between the villagers of Anterria and the King and his men. The shadow creature is there too, taking over all. Will Hannah and Aaron come out alive?

I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the plot. The action in it was exciting but written well for kids. The reading level is good for older kids or advanced readers and it is a clean read. I also thought the story idea was unique. I liked the mythical creatures Ms. McKinsey wrote into the story (like pixies, centaurs and satyrs). Hannah is a great main character who loves writing and creating her own worlds. I liked her a lot. The Storytellers were pretty cool. I like that what they say is true in their story, becomes true. There were parts of the story I wished were explained a little more because I got “lost” but for the most part, the story read well. I like the cover, I thought it was kind of pretty. The second book in this series is called Atlantis. I already asked my mom if she can get it! I recommend this book to kids 9+.

Four out of five bookworms for this great adventure story!

**Note – I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

To learn more about to learn about Ms. McKinsey and The Storytellers series, click HERE.

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