Kids' Book Reviews

So, every summer I lead a writing group for kids at the library. I usually do not make them do too much non-fiction writing because: 1. They do more non-fiction writing at school and 2. It is their least favorite genre to write (probably because that is what they mostly do at school). I did manage to get a few of them to write book reviews for the blog, though. As a parent and a librarian I am always interested to hear what kids think about the books that they read. 


Zander (12)
I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

I think this book is great there is nice story and lots of action. The characters are well thought out and have clear personality. The beginning of the book is great and it explains well what is happening. Everything that happens in the book plays out well. From start to finish this book is great.







 Zane (9)
Three Ring Rascals #1: The Show Must Go On by Kate Klise

The Three-Ring Rascals is a series about the best circus in the world. In the first book the ring master gets too old and the circus needs a new one. They find a new ring master named Barnabas Brambles who ends up being very mean and tricking the old ring master to get money. You should read The Show Must Go On because it is a fun and silly story and then you will want to read the whole series.





Ruthie (13)
Sailor Moon Manga by Naoka Takeuchi

Sailor Moon is a manga (Japanese graphic novel) by Naoko Takeuchi and was originally serialized between 1991 and 1997. It follows Usagi Tsuckino, who is told one day by a talking cat named Luna that she a guardian of love and justice, Sailor Moon. She must gather up her allies, the other Sailor Guardians (Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus), in order to defend the earth. Along the way they are joined by the mysterious Tuxedo Mask and together they work to learn about their past lives. The newest release of the series has 12 volumes of manga among which the 5 main story arcs are split between. During the time of its release Sailor Moon was ground breaking, as there were not many forms of manga focusing on a mostly female cast. It also offered girls a chance to imagine themselves as one  of the main characters as each is unique. Especially Usagi, who instead of being just a pretty face with no personality is ditzy and scared of fighting, but has a good heart that always shines through. While bits of it obviously pander to a younger female demographic, the strong female characters and good morals even out any artificiality that may be mixed in.  That being said, Sailor Moon remains one of my all time favorite series and I highly recommend it for preteen/teenage girls or anyone looking for a start into manga.

Emerson (13)
Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl
This book is spectacular! An easy two thumbs up. You may wonder: What is so great about Boy? Well, Boy is an autobiography (kind of) by Roald Dahl that talks about his most vivid memories from childhood. If you like Dahl's books and want to know his backstory this book is a great read!







 Ellen (12)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a five part book series by Rick Riordan. it follows the half-blood, Percy Jackson, who along with his fellow half-bloods leads a battle against the Titan, Kronos. This series is filled with amazing character, plot twists, and settings. Plus, it is just neat to see what the Greek gods are up to in our world. I recommend this series to anyone who loves adventure and a good laugh now and then.

Tyler (10)
Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

Blood of Olympus is the breathtaking conclusion to the Heroes of Olympus series with a fast pace that will keep readers ready for more. I think that Riordan has done his best work in this book.