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
 

Amulet 8: Supernova by Kazu Kibuishi

This is a book review about Amulet 8: Supernova by Kazu Kibuishi. This book is from a series of 9 books but right now there are 8. The ninth, and the final book in the Amulet series has not came out yet. Google says book 9 will come out October 25, 2022. The main character is Emily. She is the strongest character in the Amulet series. She is powerful because of an amulet she found in book 1. If you have not read book 1 yet, this is how she got the amulet. In The beginning, Emily’s dad died in a car crash. Then she moved into her great grandpas houes and found the amulet.

This book kind of reminds me of Ukraine and Russia because they're in a war and in the Amulet book series there's also a war going on. If you like action-packed fiction themed graphic novels with magical powers and wars, this is the book for you.

 

Review by Dude-J.D

Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborn

Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborn is a book about adventures and thrills. In this one, Jack and Annie found a treehouse in the woods that they walk in. They decided to go up the wooden ladder to the little house in the tree. Jack and Annie make it up the treehouse without a problem. There are tons of books stacked and fallen over on the ground. There was this one that was open to a certain page. It had a dinosaur on the page for the picture. They say, “I wish I could go there”…………… Just then, the tree house that was still, was now spinning very fast. Then it stopped, but they weren’t in the same tree and woods. Where were they?

I love the part where they were met with a ton of dinosaurs! But this was the 1st magic treehouse book, now I want to read the rest of the series! I love how this book is very adventurous and I am too! The book reminds me of how my brother climbed a tree and I had to help him down. (He’s adventurous too). This author has written my favorite series!

Review by -XD XAVI3R 

Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston

Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston is about Amari, a young Black girl who discovers a ticking briefcase left by her missing brother – and learns that her brother was a famous agent working for the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs and that there is a magical world hiding before her very own eyes. In the book, Amari and the night brothers, Amari befriends Elsie (who is a weredragon).

I love this book because it has lots of events that are very mysterious and leave you wondering “Why did this happen?” Amari is a poor black girl who is really smart and at a whites-only school. She gets bullied a lot because she is black and also because she is poor. This book reminds me of the Harry Potter book series, just with fewer books.  
 

Review by #65Dr@wingf1ghter

The Land of Stories, The Enchantress Returns by Chris Colfer

 

I love this book, The Enchantress Returns by Chris Colfer, so much because the book makes you feel like you were just transported into a magical world. I think the plot is wonderful and is filled with magical ideas. I love how Chris Colfer included all my favorite fairy tales! My favorite part of the book is when we remeet Queen Red Riding and Froggy who were in the first book because it made me smile. I would recommend this book to anyone because it is packed full with adventure,mystery, and magic. If you like Harry Potter then I think you will like this series, In The Land of Stories. 

In, The Enchantress Returns, Alex and Conner who are brother and sister go back to the land of stories because they missed the magical world. When they get there they find out that the world is at risk! Alex and Conner have rounded up some old friends to help their world. If you want to learn more, I guess you are going to have to read it. If you like Harry Potter then I think you will like this.

Review by -Fuzzy Bunny

The Summer of the Sea Serpent, written by Mary Pope Osborne

    The Summer of the Sea Serpent, written by Mary Pope Osborne is about 2 children named Jack and Annie who are sent on a mission by the great sorcerer Merlin. They are sent to a time before Camelot. The riddle they receive will help them to retrieve the sword of light. If Jack and Annie don’t get it before sunset, King Arthur will meet his doom.

     I connected with this book because it is about teamwork and friendship. It shows trust and a little bit of magic. When I read this book I feel like I’m actually there. This is an amazing book and I encourage everyone to read it.

Review by: Tribrid_SuperNatural_get54irEG$

Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson

In Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson, Phoebe and her unicorn were best friends. Phoebe was the one to find the unicorn first. She found her in the forest. Phoebe thought people would like her better if she brought Marigold the unicorn to school, but people thought it was boring and that’s because of the shield of boringness. Now deeper in the story the unicorn meets Phoebe’s parents and they have a pajama party. In the middle of the story it’s fall and they go out for trick or treating and they only went to one house where the candy dragon is. You say something to wake it up, then it wakes up and gives you a lot of candy. Will Phoebe and Marigold become best friends forever and always?

I really enjoyed this book because every girl likes Unicorns. I mean, you can’t blame me. This book reminds me of my friends. When I was little we all loved unicorns! This book is amazing and I’m probably going to read more of Dana Simpson’s books. If you want to read one of her books, then I have included her website. I hope you read this book because it’s a really good book.
 
Reviewed by:shadowthecat123

The Enchanted Charms by Geronimo Stilton

The Enchanted Charms by Geronimo Stilton is a very cool book about MAGIC and GIANTS and MICE and even MONSTERS! The book is about a mouse that goes and tries to get these charms that are all in different parts of the world. When he gets them...  well I shouldn’t tell you because that's the ending of  the book but you can read it and figure that out for yourself. 

This book relates to me because the mouse and the mouse's cousin are funny and a lot of people say I’m funny. Also a lot of people say I’m smart and that’s what a couple of the mouse’s friends are. I think you would like this book if you are into other books like Harry Potter.

Reviewed by: Dirtbike rider 274

The Wizard's Dog by Eric Kahn Gale

The Wizard's Dog by Eric Kahn Gale is a RICBA Nominee for 2019. Nosewise is a dog who belongs to Merlin the Magician. Nosewise knows lots of tricks, like sit and stay, but what he wants to learn are the magic tricks that Merlin teaches to his apprentice Morgana. When Nosewise accidently ends up with Morgana's magic stone around his neck, he can suddenly speak, in words! But before Nosewise can learn any magic, Merlin is taken away by an evil Fae, who wants to use Merlin's magic to become King of the humans. It is up to Nosewise to save his beloved master, with a little help from a boy named Arthur.

I am a big fan of the King Arthur legends and love reading this new take on the  story from the point of view of Nosewise the dog. Nosewise is quite funny and it's cute to see into the mind of a dog, "stupid doors"! Watch a trailer for the book.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Marvelwood Magicians by Diane Zahler

The Marvelwood Magicians by Diane Zahler is one of the RICBA Nominees for 2019. This story's main character is Mattie Marvelwood. She travels around the U.S. with her family as they set up their wagon near fairs and circuses to perform. Mattie is a mind reader. When she touches someone, she can read their thoughts. Her whole family have magical abilities, from her disappearing brother, to her floating little sister. But her family knows that if anyone ever found out that their abilities are real, and not tricks or illusions, they would be in danger. The Marvelwoods join a circus run by Master Morogh and suddenly they and all their new friends are in danger of losing their talents. Mattie has to figure out a way to save her family and friends, without losing a part of herself.

I love magical stories and Diane Zahler's decision to place the Marvelwood family in a circus setting was just perfect! I love how Mattie could understand the thoughts of the circus animals. This story has great imagery, I can easily picture it making a fantastic movie. Read it and see if you agree!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Surrender the Key by D.J. MacHale

Surrender the Key by D.J. MacHale is one of the RICBA Nominees for 2019. It is the first book in a series that promises to be adventurous and scary. In this story Marcus, Theo and Lu quickly get wrapped up in a mystery. Marcus O'Mara is in detention for standing up for a classmate who was getting bullied by a nasty teacher, when a bull runs through the school, smashing into a class trophy case. Yes, you read that right, a bull. Except, Marcus is the only one who can see the bull, the man in his pajamas holding a key, and the message written in broken pieces of glass.... "Surrender the Key".

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am glad there will be more of them. This is one of the times I don't want to tell too much about the book, because it was fun to discover what is happening as the author unfolds the story. I will say that Marcus and his friends are in grave danger and this was a delicious page turner because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. 

Review by Mrs. Castro

Polar Bears Past Bedtime by Mary Pope Osborne

The book, Polar Bears Past Bedtime by Mary Pope Osborne is about two kids named Annie and Jack. They go to the Arctic and  meet a man when they get out of the tree house. They go back to his igloo and meet two polar bear cubs on the ice. The mom bear comes and tries to get her cubs. Will she get her cubs across the ice or will something happen to Jack and Annie? This will always be one of my favorite books ever. I Highly suggest this book.

    I thought this book reminded me of a National Geographic clip that I saw about Antarctica. Mary Pope Osborne is one of my favorite authors and has made over 50 books in the Magic Tree House series. I would like to raise awareness for polar bears because their ice is melting due to global warming.

Review by caillouboy

Amulet: Firelight by Kazu Kibuishi

Amulet: Firelight by Kazu Kibuishi, is about a girl whose name is Emily. The story takes place on Algo’s island. Emily has been chosen to be very powerful with a gem. She has to fight evil and save the world and make it safe. In book 7, Emily’s amulet gets stronger and she struggles to control it.

I feel after reading this book it was very interesting and cool. I also feel like if this book was real, the world would be very crazy. This book was very colorful, because it’s a graphic novel, and lots of events happened in the story. The Amulet series is one of my favorites, you should read the books!!!

Reviewed by Celticsallday713

Sticks and Stones by Abby Cooper

In Sticks and Stones by Abby Cooper, a girl named Elyse has a disorder that causes words that other people call her to come up on her skin in itchy rashes. They get worse depending on how bad the word is. This story takes place at her school. Another problem that Elyse faces is, she gets lost on a trip in a snowstorm.  Will she manage to make it back?

I think that having words appear on your skin  would be both embarrassing and painful. I think the story is saying to be more careful with your words. As we are not able to see the words, they still can still have a painful effect on others. This story is a big mix of emotions, sadness, happiness, stress, and even more. I definitely recommend this book to others, as it is very enjoyable to read.

Reviewed by HeWhoShallNotBeNamed

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

   Strange things are happening at the magical school, Hogwarts, during Harry Potter’s sixth year in J. K. Rowling’s book, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. The mysterious Half-Blood Prince gives Harry advice in his Potion’s book. Private lessons with Dumbledore will explain secrets about the most evil Dark Wizard, Voldemort.  Harry knows that his rival, Draco Malfoy, and his Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Snape are up to no good, but nobody believes him.  What secrets about Voldemort will be uncovered? Who is the Half-Blood Prince, and what is Snape and Malfoy up to?

   If you liked the first five books in the Harry Potter series, you will love this one.  I love Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince because it is full of fantasy, mystery, and a lot of action. It’s about normal people like me living a life and going to school in a magical world.  

Review by _doggy_dude_  

Rise of the Isle of the Lost by Melissa De La Cruz

In Rise of the Isle of the Lost by Melissa De La Cruz, King Triton’s trident is lost underwater. Mal, Evie, Carlos, and Jay have to find the magical trident so no one else does. If someone else has the trident they can take over the oceans and probably the world.

I think it´s a great book and a good way to pass the time. It’s interesting because it’s about the ocean and I like oceans. What I like about the book is that it is unique and part of the Descendants series.

Review by Miami Dolfan33

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

In Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, Isabella Swan is known as Bella has a normal life. Her parents are divorced, she lives with her mom and she just does what normal people do. Bella moved in with her dad and went to her new school. There, she meets Edward, who she finds out is really a vampire. When she finds out, she is scared but then she decides that he's not that scary. She falls in love with him. When she goes to play baseball with his family danger rolled in and Bella must leave and fast. Victoria is another vampire who eats humans. She decides that Bella is a target. James is Victoria’s mate. He tries to kill Bella. Will he succeed?

I feel that the book is very weird and a little mature for my age, but I think overall the book was really good. I hope that all my friends enjoy it like I did. One thing though, you won’t find this book in an elementary school library.

Review by MysteryUnknown

The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King

In the Kingdom of Delain Peter is soon to become king with his father soon to be dead and Peter as the eldest child, or will his destiny be ruined by the castle magician who will do anything to make the younger son Thomas king? Will the magician even frame someone for murder? Read The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King to find out.

My thoughts on the book are that the book has a very well written plot and that the book itself is well written. My favorite character in the book is Peter mostly because he is so smart and daring at the same time. Then another reason why I like this book is because it has a lot of funny moments. One funny moment that I liked was when Peter beat up the prison guard with ease.

My connection with the book is my relationship with my younger brother. Mostly because me and my little brother are really close as brothers. Another connection with the book is I remember climbing up and down a rope for the first time, because in the book Peter tries to escape prison on a rope.

Review by thatLONELYkid

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling, it is Harry Potter’s fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and it is an exciting yet scary year. He has been seeing things in his sleep and his scar has been hurting at certain times, which means Voldemort is mad or near. Hermione, Ron and some other students at Hogwarts want to learn Defence Against the Dark Arts just in case he comes back. The only problem is that the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher Professor Umbridge banned any sort of group or club without her permission. Will they get caught and possibly get expelled or will everything be okay? Will Voldemort return? Find out in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

I enjoyed this book very much. It is a longer book, but it was interesting the whole way through. I had so many feelings throughout the whole book. At some points I was happy others I was angry or upset. I liked the book because of the fantasy. There are many things in it that could not happen in real life. I think that this is cool. This is one of the things that makes me want to read more.

Review by magic / ***

The Land of Stories- Worlds Collide by Christopher Colfer

In The Land of Stories: Worlds Collide by Christopher Colfer, Alex and Conner have constructed an army to defeat all of the literary characters of their childhood, lead by Captain Hook, The Wicked Witch of the West, and The Queen of Hearts. Right as they were heading off to defeat the army, Alex went missing. When Conner finds Alex, she is under an evil spell. Will Conner save Alex or will he be defeated?

I loved how the author painted a vivid image in my mind when I read this book. It all came together no matter how many cliff hangers or how many mysteries there were. When you read this book you will be swept away to a fairy-tale land where danger and magic are in the air. When I was little and still to this day I love fairy tales! This book made me feel happy, scared, and sad all at the same time. If you love fairy tales definitely read this book! I definitely recommend this book and series! Hope you read it!

Reviewed by #1landofstoriesfan