Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat

Legends of Lotus Island: The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat is a Rhode Island Children's Book Nominee. It is the start of a series of stories about Lotus Island, where magical children learn to access their powers. The story begins with Plum talking to the plants and animals in her grandparents vegetable garden. Even the worms seem to listen to her. When she is invited to Lotus Island to train as a Guardian, she reluctantly leaves her grandparents. Plum struggles to find her inner animal and wonders if she really is destined to be a protector of the wild animals of the world.

I enjoyed this book, but definitely wish it would have continued. It is a taste of this magical world, that you don't want to end. I guess I will have to buy the next book in the series!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro
 

Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms by Maya Prasad

Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms by Maya Prasad is a RICBA nominee. Sejal is getting ready to celebrate Diwali with her family and her cousin Mira. But this year everything seems to be ruined. First, her cousin makes fun of her for playing an imaginative game. Then, a super storm knocks out the power and ruins some of their Diwali traditions. Hopefully a trip into the eye of the storm will stop the hurricane and save Diwali. 

This fun adventure story will teach you about hurricanes through the science Sejal learns and shares with her family. I can remember playing games of imagination with the kids in my neighborhood when I was a child. Imagination fuels the books, movies and games we play, even when we are adults. Hold on to the delight of using your imagination.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

 

Shermy & Shake: The Not-So-Nice Neighbor by Kirby Larson

Shermy & Shake: The Not-So-Nice Neighbor by Kirby Larson is a RICBA nominee. It is about a boy named Shermy who has to deal with the grandson of his neighbor moving in for the summer. His name is Shake and he really bugs Shermy. Shake is always at his house, eating his food, and playing with his games. Thank goodness Shake will be leaving at the end of the summer. Right?!

This is a cute little book about friendship and how it can sometimes sneak up on you. It also helps kids reflect on their feelings about family differences. A quick read, check it out!

By Mrs. Castro
 

Finch House by Ciera Burch

 

Finch House by Ciera Burch is a spooky read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is one of the 2025 RICBA nominees. Much of the action in the book takes place inside of Finch house, which was an abandoned run down house in the neighborhood. It has the reputation of children going inside and never coming out again. When new owners move in and fix up the house, Micah who lives nearby is curious about the house that her grandfather has warned her to stay away from. Then, Micah's grandfather goes missing. Micah must find him, but it is going to involve going inside Finch house!

Wow, this book is a page turner. Fast action and spooky details will definitely grab the reader. There is also an underlying theme that emerges as Micah deals with anxiety about her move to a new home, and her nervousness about leaving her grandfather behind. I believe 5th graders will love getting caught up in this ghost story.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro