The Book Review Kids

An Indian girl takes a life-changing journey

Rating:  

9+
Read Alone: 10+

Why We Like It:

This is the kind of book I just can’t put down.  I learned a lot about Indian customs and a few life lessons.  When I was first reading the book, I thought I wouldn’t like it but it actually turned out to be an amazing story.  So if you read this book and get a feeling like I did, keep reading!!

A kung fu action novel set in ancient China

Rating:  

8+
Read Alone: 9+

Why We Like It:

This book has lots of exciting fighting, but it is a little violent for younger kids.  The descriptions will make readers feel like they’re part of the action.  There are seven books in the series, so there’s a lot to look forward to.

A modern Jane Austen story with a teen twist

Rating:  

Prada and Prejudice is a modern version of  Pride and Prejudice.  After trying to buy her popularity with a pair of fancy Prada pumps, Callie falls and hits her head. When she wakes up,  its suddenly 1815.  She is mistaken there for a girl named Rebecca and has many adventures.

Why We Like It:

What I really loved about this book was the surprise ending.  The Jane Austen inside jokes will be fun for readers who are familiar with her work.

Not the usual beanstalk story

Rating:  

6+
Read Alone: 8+

The Giants and the Joneses is the story about how three kids find out that giants are real, the hard way. When quarrelsome siblings Poppy, Colette, and Stephen are literally collected by a giantess named Jumbeelia (who is just a child herself), they must work together to escape and come home.

Why We Like It:

I personally loved this book because it was full of suspense, action, humor, and teamwork.   I also liked how the author invented a language called “Groilish” for the giants and sprinkled it throughout the story.

A sweet story of travel, friendship, and bravery

Rating:  

Snail and the Whale tells the story of a tiny sea snail who longs to see the world.  Since he is a mollusk (and therefore stuck to a rock), this is not going to be easy.  Also, he gets no support for the idea at home.  So he teams up with a whale and off he goes.

After seeing how big the world is, he feels small and unimportant.  But then tide goes out in a bay and the whale gets stuck!  It’s up to the snail to save his friends’ life.

Why We Like It:

This story is perfect in every way.  It celebrates travel, diversity, friendship, bravery, and making a difference even when you’re not very big.  It is also funny and poetic, and beautifully illustrated.  Our silly mom cries every single time she reads it to us.