Coral Reefs

Review:

 

 

The Science Comics series uses the graphic novel format to inform kids (and adults) about popular topics. In this case, the topic is coral reefs. The narrator is a sassy yellow goby fish who explains the facts about coral reefs and their inhabitants. There is a wealth of information in this book, and it may be a bit much for younger kids. Then again, if they are interested in the subject, kids can remember a surprising number of facts. The illustrations are bright and beautiful, and labeled diagrams are provided to help explain the facts. In the back of the book, readers will find a glossary, bibliography, and a list of additional resources. The book also gives information about conservation and real examples of what kids can do to help.

 

The book was a fun read and I learned a lot about coral reefs. 

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1584109/coral-reefs

Daydream Receiver

Review:

 

 

Gus Blackburn is on the football team, but he always sits on the bench. He dreams of being a great player, fitting in with his teammates, and talking to the girl he has a crush on. But dreaming isn’t helping. Gus needs to get beyond his daydreams and work for what he wants. In the back of the book are questions promoting visual literacy, descriptions of football positions, and a glossary.

 

The series is perfect for reluctant readers, especially boys.

 

I liked the book, even though books revolving around sports don't usually interest me. This is a cute graphic novel and a fun story.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1584105/daydream-receiver

Cleopatra in Space

Review:

 

I loved this book. Cleopatra is transported from Egypt to the future and to the planet Mayet. There she is recognized as the savior, there to defeat the evil dictator whose is conquering civilizations. But even in the future, Cleo has to go to school and deal with friendship issues.

 

The artwork is beautiful, and the cinematic flair brings the action to life. Cleo is a strong, fearless heroine that girls can look up to. 

 

If you are interested in Egypt at all, this is the book for you. it is fun, exciting and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1584098/cleopatra-in-space

One Dead Spy

Review:

 

 

In One Dead Spy, historical figure Nathan Hale, America’s first spy, tells the story of his life and the American Revolution. The novel brings readers that feeling of “being there” and relates real-life historical events with humor. The illustrations are sepia toned with some red thrown in, as in the uniforms of the British army. 

 

This book is well written, with lots of facts, and humor too. Kids will enjoy learning about history and laughing at the same time. :)

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1584096/one-dead-spy

Amelia Rules!

Review:

 

 

Amelia is a tough kid and she is going thru a lot, her parents just got divorced, she moved from New York City to a small town in Pennsylvania, and she is trying to navigate a new school. Amelia isn't perfect, she has selfish moments and generous moments. She makes new friends who help her deal with bullies, gym class, and family trips.

 

I really enjoyed this book. Amelia goes through tough times, and she shows real emotions and feelings. Her character isn't sugar coated or made to seem perfect.

 

Kids will recognize parts of themselves in this book, and realize that others are going through similar experiences.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1584095/amelia-rules

Misadventures of Salem Hyde

Review:

 

 

This is a cute graphic novel about Salem Hyde. She stubborn and impulsive - characteristics that can make her dangerous, as she is also a witch. Her parents get her a magical animal companion to help keep her out of trouble. She wanted a unicorn, but she ended up with a cat, Percival J. Whamsford III. She calls him Whammy. She enters a spelling bee, thinking it relates to "spells", but when she casts a spell to help her win, things go very bad.

 

The illustrations are expressive and funny. I think kids will love this series.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1584093/misadventures-of-salem-hyde

A genius boy and his talking dog

Review:

 

 

Mal is a child genius and Chad is a talking dog. Mal pretends to be just a normal kid so he can stay in grade school, either because he doesn’t want to grow up too fast or because he has a crush on Megan (a girl in his class). Mal and Chad do everything together from scuba diving in the kitchen sink to traveling back in time to the age of the dinosaurs. The story is fun and filled with mayhem and adventure. The drawings are simple and in black and white. They show the character’s emotions and portray a sense of excitement when the story calls for it. McCranie originally created Mal and Chad as a comic strip for a college newspaper. There are three books in the Mal and Chad series.

 

This one was very cute and funny. I actually laughed out loud at times. Another good addition for our elementary school library (at least I hope so).

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1582939/a-genius-boy-and-his-talking-dog

Gotta love Babymouse

Review:

 

 

In Babymouse: Our Hero, Babymouse tries to overcome her fear of dodgeball. During the story, Babymouse imagines herself as a hero who undergoes many trials, such as walking miles to school or becoming Babymouse-zilla, a monster who cannot be defeated by dodgeballs. The illustrations are cute and use black, white and pink colors.

 

The Babymouse series is about a mouse with messy whiskers and big dreams. She faces problems with the help of her imagination, her friends, and a bit of sass. The series has won awards including a 2006 ALA Notable Children’s Books award, and a 2013 Eisner award for Babymouse for Preisdent. There are 20 books in the Babymouse series.

 

Babymouse is cute and she is a character that kids will relate to. There is also a middle school version of Babymouse for older kids.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1582938/gotta-love-babymouse

Old concept made new again...

Review:

 

 

In Dream Jumper: Nightmare Escape Ben learns that he has a gift. He can jump into the dream world and see other people’s dreams. When Kaylee (his not girlfriend), falls into sub-rem sleep and can’t wake up, Ben decides he must find a way to save her. While asleep, Ben meets Lewis, a mysterious rabbit who helps him fight evil forces in the dream world.

 

There are currently two books in the Dream Jumper series. The idea for this series came from a dream that author (and actor) Greg Grunberg’s son had. The drawings are bright and cinematic feeling. They match perfectly with the story’s sense of adventure and mystery.

 

I really enjoyed this one. The concept reminds me of the Freddy Kruger movies, but this is much tamer - meant for the younger set. Ben is a great character and I really like him. I will try to read the second book too. I also think I will suggest we add this to our elementary school library.

Original post: readingismyescape.booklikes.com/post/1582937/old-concept-made-new-again