Geronimo Stilton, : The Kingdom Of Fantasy #3; The Amazing Voyage, is a critically acclaimed novel which looks at the narrated story of Geronimo Stilton’s third visit to the kingdom of fantasy.  Queen Blossom, queen of the fairies is in trouble, and Mr. Stilton must travel across the 7 kingdoms to help the queen of the fairies, and restore balance within the Kingdom of Fantasy. Along the way, he faces many challenges and obstacles that help him develop the skills and gain allies that will help him with his final task.

I enjoy this book because it proves that not all heroes wear capes. and to save the world, its the heart of mouse, not its size that counts. It puts in the reader’s mind what a hero is, and what a hero might look like. It makes you reevaluate what ordinary and extraordinary means.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White is a novel that tells the story of a pig saved from slaughter by an eight-year-old girl named Fern. Fern takes full responsibility for the little piglet, names him Wilbur, and carefully tends to him. However, as Wilbur grows, he is moved to her uncle’s farm since he outgrows his space at Fern’s home. On the farm, Wilbur adjusts to life among other animals but soon learns he is destined to be eaten for Christmas, which causes him great distress. Charlotte, a wise spider, notices his despair and weaves a message into her web. This message attracts attention, and the farm owners ultimately decide to spare Wilbur’s life. Sadly, Wilbur learns that Charlotte is ill, and after laying her eggs, she can no longer return to the farm. Wilbur decides to take her eggs back with him, where he later enjoys the company of Charlotte’s children on the farm.

E.B. White tells the heartwarming story of two unlikely companions. The protagonist, Wilbur the pig, was the runt of his litter, making him destined to be slaughtered. When he meets a soft-spoken, gentle spider named Charlotte, his destiny is quickly changed. Charlotte and Wilbur quickly develop an unbreakable bond, and Charlotte’s ability to spin beautifully intricate webs proves to be vital in her quest to save Wilbur. Charlotte sees Wilbur for more than a runt, and hopes to convey that message to the humans who hold power over his life.

The novel tells a powerful story of determination, friendship, and rebirth. Although a children’s novel, Charlotte’s Web proves to also demonstrate mature themes such as mortality, loneliness, and self worth. I remember reading this novel many times as a young reader, and upon reflection, I appreciate the balance of lightheartedness with reality. I believe that children can benefit from content that eases in more mature themes to make them aware of these realities, while still maintaining a level of fantasy, awe, and optimism. Charlotte’s Web proves to intertwine all these themes to create a very special story between the charmingly personified animal characters.

-Michelle Tompkins

Summary:
Wonder by R.J. Palacio tells the powerful story of August “Auggie” Pullman, a ten-year-old boy with a craniofacial condition that makes him look different from others his age. Auggie has been homeschooled his whole life, but in fifth grade, he started attending Beecher Prep, a private school. As he navigates his new school environment, Auggie encounters challenges and prejudice, but he also finds friendship, acceptance, and inner strength. The book unfolds through multiple perspectives, including Auggie’s classmates, his sister, and others close to him, offering a well-rounded view of how Auggie’s journey impacts everyone around him.

Favourite Part:
One of the most touching parts of Wonder is when Auggie receives the Beecher Prep medal for showing extraordinary courage and kindness at the year-end awards ceremony. It’s a heartwarming moment that celebrates his resilience and kindness, finally giving him the recognition he deserves after facing so many obstacles. This moment shows how far Auggie has come and is a turning point for both him and the other students who have come to know him.

Thoughts on the Book:
What stands out most about Wonder is how it brings in multiple perspectives. We don’t just see Auggie’s challenges, we also see the story through the eyes of his friends, his sister, and others, providing a layered understanding of how someone’s difference affects everyone. It helps readers understand the importance of empathy and shows that every person is going through something, even if it’s not visible on the outside. This unique storytelling approach makes the book especially powerful, as it fosters empathy by putting readers in the shoes of various characters, all of whom have their own struggles.

Recommendation:
Wonder is a perfect fit for students in Grades 4-6, as it’s accessible yet mature enough to address themes of kindness, acceptance, and courage. It’s a wonderful book for helping young readers understand the value of empathy and acceptance and can inspire classroom discussions about treating others with respect, regardless of differences. Whether you’re looking for an inspiring read or a novel to encourage meaningful conversations, Wonder is a heartfelt and memorable choice.

Parvana’s Journey by Deborah Ellis is the epic sequel to a title that may be more familiar, The Breadwinner. This story tells the heartbreaking story of Parvana, a 13-year-old girl living under the Taliban rule in a war-torn Afghanistan.

In the follow up to The Breadwinner, Parvana’s father has died, and she takes off on a dangerous journey in search of her mother and siblings. Along her way, she meets other children who have been scarred by the violence of war, and together they make a family, relying on each other to survive. They face so many obstacles; physical, mental, and emotional, but show strength in the face of these hardships. 

I first read Parvana’s Journey when I was about 10 years old, and it left a lasting impact on me. Parvana’s life was so vastly different from mine—she couldn’t attend school and had to provide for herself and the other children in her care. The story opened my eyes to the realities of life for many around the world, sparking my curiosity about how others live during war. Re-reading the book as an adult, I’m even more struck by Parvana’s resilience in the face of this unimaginable adversity. Her strength is inspiring, but the novel also serves as a reminder of the effects of war on civilians, especially the most vulnerable: children.

Parvana’s Journey is a really powerful read that offers a glimpse into the lives of those affected by conflict. It serves as a reminder to me, of the importance of empathy, courage, and perseverance.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman follows the story of a boy named Nobody Owens, or ‘Bod’. When Bod was a baby, his family was murdered by a stranger, referred to as just ‘Jack’. Bod managed to escape the house before Jack could get to him as well. He ended up wandering into a graveyard, where he was adopted by a ghost couple, Mr. and Mrs. Owens. All the occupants in the graveyard– witches, vampires, ghouls and more– help raise Bod, teaching him the essentials of life, and the afterlife! The novel follows Bod over the years, navigating unfamiliar situations and relationships.

My favourite part of the book is Chapter Two: The New Friend. A 5-year-old girl named Scarlett and her parents are new to Old Town and live in a nearby apartment. They come to the graveyard so Scarlett can walk and play, and her parents wait for her on the bench, reading their books. Bod and Scarlett meet, forming such a sweet and innocent relationship. She helps him learn new things about the real world, and Bod introduces her to the mysteries of the dead world. The innocence of their interactions resonated deeply with me and reminded me of the purity and wonder children hold.

If the paranormal realm interests you, this book should be on your to-read list! It approaches death in a positive and fun way, that makes readers enjoy it rather than fear it. It is not subjective to any religion and is a great way to potentially connect your own views on the afterlife. Suggested for grades 4-8!

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan is an underrated classic and you can’t change my mind. Riordan introduced this book (and by extension, the Kane Chronicles trilogy) 3 years after the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series wrapped up. With something to prove, Riordan cemented his signature when writing books for children and young adults, making his books so endearing to his audiences. Carter and Sadie are siblings separated by divorce after their mother passed. Carter travelled with their father, doing archeological digs in Egypt while Sadie elected to stay with their maternal grandparents in England. Content to live their own lives, the pair’s paths come crashing together once again after their father is kidnapped by Set, the Egyptian God of Chaos. From this, they learn that their family descends from the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, and it’s up to them to harness the power of the Gods to save their father. Their story is told in an interesting fashion, which would make this book an acquired taste for the reader. Carter and Sadie audio record their story together, and we’re reading their recording as a transcript. While this approach really allows for the character’s personalities to shine, it may be hard for a reader to keep up with.  With spoiling too much, this book shows that Rick Riordan was not a one-hit-wonder and that he has the chops to publish many more series.

Written by Peter Brown, The Wild Robot is a story is about a run of the mill robot who finds themselves on an unfamiliar  full of animals. The robot, Roz, comes to learn about the island, its inhabitants, and becomes an unsuspecting mother to a gosling.  Given the current discourse in the world, The Wild Robot fits very well into the discussion of artificial intelligence [AI] and robots. The book leads readers to think about the role of AI in society, and how quickly evolving they are. Roz begins as robot whose only purpose is to be a servant. However, through their interactions with the environment and the local fauna, Roz learns how to speak to animals. Roz’s changing database suggests a level of mutability and evolutionary capability. In the real world, where AI is taking the form of robots, I find that Brown asks us to consider what role will AI take? Will robots become our caregivers? Will robots reach a point where they will teach themselves independent of humans? To add onto this, what is a mother? What does it mean to be a parent? Brown’s fascinating novel touches upon relevant discourse in an easy to understand way for both children and adults.

“Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All” is a fun and sweet story about friendship, belonging, and finding community in a big city.  10-year-old Magnolia spends most of her days at her parents’ laundromat – Bing Qi Ling Bubbles – in New York City. One summer, she meets Iris Lam, who’s just moved to the city. Magnolia and Iris embark on a mission to find the owners of all of the single socks that have been left behind at the laundromat. Along this journey they navigate challenges in their friendship, meet all kinds of people, and learn to see the beauty in their city. 

I love how Chanel Miller introduces her young audience to the idea of community-building and what it means to co-exist with people who have different interests, jobs and cultural backgrounds. She also subtly introduces themes of anti-Asian racism and classism through the urban backdrop and complex relationships that exist in this book. It’s a story that reflects many of the changing dynamics that young readers might be experiencing in their own relationships – whether that’s with their friends, families, budding romantic interests, neighbours and the world around them.

As someone who grew up in Toronto, I laughed out loud when Iris described how dirty and busy New York City was, and Magnolia thought “…she’s a grass person”. This is a great read especially if you live in a busy city and want to see it through a new lens.

The Marrow Thieves, written by Cherie Dimaline, is an award winning dystopian novel set in what we refer to as canada. We follow Frenchie, a sixteen year old Métis boy, on his run from the canadian government. Following an exponential rise in natural disasters due to climate change, the canadian government sends out recruiters to capture Indigenous folks, as they have something no one else does; dreams. History repeats itself as new residential schools are put in place, but this time with the intent to extract the bone marrow of Indigenous people, as that’s where their ability to dream is stored.

The novel centres around Frenchie and his chosen family. His chosen family is made up of Indigenous people of all ages, from young children to elders. Dimaline highlights the notion of history repeating itself and explores themes of linguicide, generational trauma, family, coming of age, love, loss and identity.

I first read this novel when the news was covering the locating of mass graves of Indigenous Children around residential schools. After educating myself on canada’s disturbing history, I felt called to read more novels written by Indigenous authors, and have since fallen in love with Dimaline and her writing.

If you love this book as much as I do, you’ll love her other novels! I would suggest starting with VenCo, it is an intersectional, feminist novel about witches.

The graphic novel “When the Stars are Scattered by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson tells a true story about the experience of young Omar Mohamed living in a Kenyan refugee camp after fleeing the war in Somalia. This highlights the harsh realities of the life of a refugee from a young boy’s perspective. This novel explores themes of resilience, hope, and the power of education.  From an educator’s perspective, the novel allows students to be more mindful of others and opens discussion of global issues around the world to a younger audience. The format of the novel is filled with engaging pictures and clear texts appropriate for students in grades 4 to 8.  This novel addresses sensitive topics surrounding injustice, death, friendship, kindness, disabilities,  and cultural pedagogy. Overall, this novel provides a unique and inspiring perspective on Omar’s life implementing insights on his determination to pursue his education despite his limited educational opportunities and privileges. This is a great book to incorporate into the classroom to promote inclusivity and recognize adversity to remind students that with all the issues in the world there is always hope when the stars are scattered.

Speechless by Jennifer Mook-Sang

The title of this book “Speechless” caught my eye. As I was reading the summary of the book on the back, I found it more interesting that this book is actually about a speech competition. 

The book is about the main character named Joseph Alton Milles (Jelly) and in his school, grades three to six must participate in a speech competition every year. Unlike other years, Jelly decides that this year he would try to win the speech competition for two reasons. One is to defeat Victory who is a school bully, and two is to win the prize, a tablet computer. Both Jelly and Victoria give a great speech and thus, the teacher declares it is a tie. Now, Jelly needs to prepare for the final round of the speech competition, and he must select new topics. Read the book to find out which topic Jelly gives his speech on and who is going to win the final round. 

As this book has school settings and explores many different issues such as competitions, jealousy, rumours, community involvement, and friendship, anyone who attends or has attended schools could easily relate to and enjoy the story. Thus, I would recommend this book to students in grade 4+ and middle-grade teachers. I hope this book brings you laughter, instills compassion, introduces speech writing, and leads to a great discussion about different values!

Life of Pi by Yann Martel is a story about Piscine Patel, a young Indian boy who survives a shipwreck when his family, who owns a Pondicherry zoo, move their entire zoo to Canada. Pi ends up sharing a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Stranded in the Pacific Ocean, Pi faces the challenges of survival. He navigates through hunger, harsh weather, and isolation while forming an unexpected connection with the tiger. The narrative unfolds over 227 days, exploring themes of faith, existence, and the human spirit’s resilience. The narrative intertwines the will to survive with the search for a deeper understanding of life’s mysteries. The novel delves into the idea of belief, the limits of reality, and the power of storytelling. Pi’s journey becomes a testament to endurance and the capacity to find hope in the direst circumstances. As Pi confronts the vastness of the ocean and the complexities of trying to survive alongside a tiger, the novel invites readers to reflect on the nature of truth and the narrative constructs. “Life of Pi” is a story that challenges perceptions, meditating on life’s profound questions through the lens of an extraordinary ordeal at sea.

by Dela Muhundarajah

The Wealthy Barber Returns is a financial literacy advice book written by David Chilton and published in 2011. David Chilton is a well-known Canadian investor, businessman, author, and is famous for his role as a Dragon on the Canadian TV show, Dragons Den. This book is quite unique and differs from other financial planning books, because it is written as if David was simply talking to you in conversation. There are no charts, graphs, math, or numbers involved, making this an enjoyable read for anyone.

Without any spoilers, some key points of discussion throughout this book are the importance of saving, whether big or small, it makes a difference overtime. Another aspect this book can teach you is how to cut down on your spending; that $5 coffee every day adds up! This relates to his section on consumption, and how to not be so consumed with it, especially today. Lastly, his talk about credit, debt, the good and the bad kind, are especially insightful and relevant in today’s time of inflation.

I would recommend this book for everyone. It will help you better your financial literacy and gain some useful knowledge about spending and saving. This book is a quick and easy read, and there’s no cons to gaining some extra insight!

The One and Only Ivan is a biographical fiction book written by Katherine Applegate. It follows the life of a silverback gorilla named Ivan. Although the story is fiction, the book is based on a real gorilla from Zoo Atlanta who was originally taken from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since Ivan is the only gorilla, he is friends with an elephant who performs for the mall, a dog who likes to hide and Julia, the mall janitor’s daughter who bonds with Ivan through art. Ivan finds a new connection when a baby elephant is introduced to the mall and challenges his idea of “what is a home?”.

This is a book for children who have a love for animals. It is a story written from the perspective of the animals. The book’s organized as if Ivan was writing journal entries about his life. The wording is perfect for teaching children how to find implications in a story. An example would be how cotton candy is described as “pink clouds you can eat.” Katherine Applegate explains the idea of loss in a way that is not too intense for a child. Children learn empathy by having to consider the feelings of the characters. They go through multiple types of relationships that any living thing would need such as friendships, family relationships, and romantic relationships. It is a great book recommendation for children who have a hard time finishing books as the events are easy to follow and are divided into short moments into Ivan’s days. Reading the One and Only Ivan will change your mindset on the lives of animals.

In this fantasy fiction by Chris Colfer, a captivating narrative invites the readers to a magical Land of Story. The tale starts with Alex and Conner Bailey, twins who transport to the Land of Stories through a mysterious book given by their grandmother. The book blends adventure and humour, which stimulates the reader’s imagination. Throughout the story, the twins take on a journey around the Land of Stories, encountering different characters from traditional fairy tales. The unique part about this book is the inclusion of interesting background story for each fairy tale character, which adds an engaging and captivating source to the story. When I read this book, I experienced the excitement of thrilling adventures alongside the two main characters. I appreciated the references to the traditional fairy tales such as Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and Sleeping Beauty that played a significant role in shaping my childhood. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy enchanting fantasy story and want a nostalgic taste of classic fairy tales from their childhood.

The book that I chose to read for my book blog is “Normal: One Kid’s Extraordinary Journey” by Magdalena and Nathaniel Newman. This book would be best suited for children ages 10 or up, more especially, grades 5-6 to participate in an independent read or a class novel study. 

This hilarious and heartwarming read follows Nathaniel, a now 13-year-old boy, who was born with Treacher Collins syndrome. Nathaniel has gone through over sixty surgeries and counting throughout his life. These surgeries and the trach tube he must wear in his neck at all times may have impacted some of the things he can do, but Nathaniel chooses to look at life with a positive outlook and a lively sense of humor. 

We follow both the perspectives of 13-year-old Nathanial and his mother, Magda, in the retelling of his life experiences as someone who lives with Treacher Collins. Nathaniel and Magda do an amazing job of taking the audience through Nathaniel’s journey in a humorously comforting way. From such, we get to experience the difficult and beautiful moments that Nathaniel and his family face as they try to navigate a “normal” life for their son. 

I absolutely adored this book. Both Nathanial and Magda had me giggling at their blunt sarcasm while also bringing tears to my eyes with their beautiful relationship. As you are following Nathaniel’s journey, you can slowly develop a deep connection to the sacred bond that Magda and her son have created.

If you are entering a grade 5 or 6 classroom, I heavily encourage you to introduce your students to this book. 

Happy reading!

Erica (PJ151)

The book, The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji is an English-translated mystery novel considered a cult classic in the Japanese mystery genre. Taking place in Japan, the story is centered around seven university students a part of a school mystery club, each of character named after a famous mystery author as an easter egg for mystery-lovers. Trapped on an island, in a decagon (ten-sided shape) house built by a murdered architect whose murderer has yet to be found, the club members gradually turn on each other as they die one-by-one. What initially appears to be the classic mystery trope of naïve students thrown into a life-threatening situation is revealed to be deeply connected to the murdered architect and his family. I love how the book unfolds in uncomfortably quiet and calm manner akin to a still lake where the dead’s and living’s secrets, killing intent, affairs, and strained family relationships stir beneath. The cast’s collective secrets awaiting to surface and claim more victims. As one of my first experiences reading a mystery book, I found the story satisfying in its characters’ intertwined relationships. The decagon house being used as a metaphor for the confines each character feels and places on themselves because of their past and current choices.

Author: Yukito Ayastuji
Genre: Mystery

Introduction

The novel “Wishtree” by Katherine Applegate takes the reader on a tale that explores friendship, diversity, acceptance, and what it truly means to be a community. “Wishtree” is told from Red’s point of view, a red oak tree, where Red gives insight into how the community is and the history behind certain characters. Through this novel, Applegate creates a world where ancient trees are lockboxes that contain an abundance of secrets while intertwining the importance of friendship. Through Red’s eyes, the audience is able to embark on a journey that allows them to reflect on the beauty of diversity and the wisdom that can be found in different people.

Summary

The story unfolds by Red introducing itself to the readers as the neighbourhood’s “wishtree,” where every May 1st, people collectively tie a piece of cloth on Red’s branches as a reminent for a wish that they hope for in the future. Needless to say, Red is an integral part of the neighbourhood and is deeply cherished and adored by residents. Red continues by explaining a secret that many other trees and animals have kept from humans – they can all talk to humans and understand their conversations. Despite this, Red and other trees have sworn to never use their talking priveledges with humans to keep the balance between humanity and nature. However, when a new family moves into a house right beside Red and different situations arrise, Red’s not so sure if they can keep their voice from going unheard. “Wishtree” is a beautiful novel that takes its audience on a rollercoaster of emotions where it discusses themes of diverse religions, open-mindedness, and the power of friendship.

My Thoughts

The first time I read this book, I was immediately engrossed in the storyline and finished “Wishtree” within a few hours. I thoroughly enjoyed how this book was through the lens of Red because it’s a nice change from the conventional point of view of a human. In addition, I found it amicable how Red’s best friend is Bongo, who is a crow. The strong friendship between Red and Bongo beautifully highlight the underlying message of how people can be best friends regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or culture, as long as they enjoy each other’s company and “have things in common” (p. 82). Overall this novel does an amazing job of touching on how we should all actively be accepting and respectful of each other’s differences.

Recommendations

I would recommend this book to students who are in Grade 3 onwards. Applewood uses trees and animals in her novel to introduce societal issues that touch on religion and stereotypes and what it means to be respectful of others. By using these characters to explain these sensative topics, it allows especially young readers to grasp onto the main idea in a more engaging way. In addition, the choice of wording and multiple illustrations throughout the book make this read easy and enjoyable for these age groups.

One bad day is all it takes. One bad day is all that separates us, the sane, everyday citizens of the world, and the Clown Prince of Crime, the Joker. Or so he says.

Alan Moore’s “The Killing Joke” is one of the the most revered titles in the DC Comics library. It chronicles one of the classic cat-and-mouse chases that define the relationship between Batman and his deranged arch-nemesis, the Joker.

What this story does best, and what it does to set aside from other great Batman-Joker centric stories, is that it puts forth a potential origin story to the character who has never had one. Moore tells the story of a failed comic and soon-to-be father who’s failures stop him from supporting his pregnant wife. Out of desperation, he agrees to join a group of common crooks to steal from his former company. Much like every other aspect of the man’s life, the operation is a failure, and after falling in a vat of acid the man is left permanently scarred, in more ways than one. From this failure, the Joker is born, or so we are led to believe.

As the reader flips the pages of the novel, the story also flips back and forth between this hypothetical origin story, and the current day, where an escaped Joker aims to inflict the same level of pain and suffering he supposedly endured on the upstanding commissioner of the GCPD in hopes of proving to Batman that when subjected to the same circumstances, anyone would be as crazy as he is.

Our unreliable narrator, the Joker, tries to justify his own lunacy by arguing that he is just ahead of the curve, that everyone else is just one bad day away from being as unhinged as he is, all they need is a little push.

But he is wrong. Not only does Commissioner Gordon come out of the Joker’s torment and torture traumatized but sane, but the Joker’s soulmate, the Batman, is also living proof that one bad day does not necessarily drive us insane (unless you think that spending your nights leaping from rooftop to rooftop wearing your underwear on the outside while beating random strangers to a pulp is insane, in which case, you may be on to something).

Nevertheless, Moore expertly utilizes the timeless foils of the Joker and Batman to tell a story about the fragility of the human psyche, and not only will it evoke some deep contemplation about what truly does separate us “sane” folk from those we deem insane, but who knows, it might just make you laugh a little too.

Wonder by RJ Palacio is an interesting and motivational novel that revolves around a boy named August Pullman. August was born with a genetic disorder and facial differences that caused him to go through many surgeries giving him both negative and positive experiences. August faces struggles  from being homeschooled to attending a  traditional middle school, as there are some students who are focused on bullying him for his facial differences. He has been homeschooled every year until he joined Beecher Prep for fifth grade. The story serves as a motivational story as readers see how a child is bullied for his difference, and showcase how he comes across with it and enhance the power of kindness. The themes that are discussed in this book are bullying, kindness, friendship and identity. In addition, the novel is also separated into different sections, where there are various perspectives of other main characters related to August. They provide different perspectives of August’s experience.    

This is one of my favourite novels to read, as it has a great meaning behind it, and focuses on a huge aspect that is important in teaching. It provides a lesson to always be of all children no matter the difference. In addition, I believe that reading this book teaches others about empathy and kindness, and the importance of unlearning our preconceived assumptions and beliefs about what is “normal” and giving space to step out of one’s own comfort zone. 

I would recommend this novel to anyone, as it helps build individual character, by discussing what happens when individuals bully others through the protagonist’s perspective and also the individuals surrounding them. In school, the grade that this can be read as an independent novel ranges after grade five and up. This book can also be read to students who are in grades younger than grade five. For individuals that like Wonder, some books I would recommend are Mockingbird, Stargirl, The Book Thief, and Fish in a Tree

. 

“The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” is a fantasy children’s book. The four Pevensie siblings, Peter, Susan, Edmond and Lucy stumble upon a magical wardrobe that take them to the world of Narnia. The land is ruled by the White Witch, who has held the people of Narnia in an eternal winter for the last 100 years. With the help of the great lion Aslan, the siblings embark on a quest to free the people of Narnia, facing many challenges, forming allies, and discovering the power of courage and sacrifice.

My favourite part of the book was the final battle scene. Without giving too much away, I enjoyed the story telling of this part as we get a glimpse into what is occurring on the actual battlefield and what is also happening behind the scenes, making it a very jam-packed and suspenseful few chapters. The strong sibling bond that that the Pevensie children have throughout the book is also something that I was personally able to identify and made the book morning meaningful to me.

I would recommend this book to any young readers who are looking for a magical escape. Along with the rich elements of fantasy and imagination, it also includes impactful and valuable moral lessons that children can reflect on.

Louis Sachar’s Holes Book Review – An Invitation to Dig Deep and Crack the Case!

In 1998, Louis Sachar brought to light the incredible story of Stanley and Zero, through his well-known work entitled Holes.  This young adult mystery inspired ideologies of justice, friendship and fate. The novel centres around the life of a young Stanley Yelnats (yes, that is Stanley spelt backwards), and his journey to Camp Green Lake, a correctional camp for male youths. Stanley is wrongfully accused of theft and sent to dig holes at Camp Green Lake as punishment. Upon arrival, Stanley quickly becomes aware that something isn’t quite as it seems at Camp Green Lake, and that these troubled youths may be digging for something more than just “character development”.

During his time at Camp Green Lake, Stanley develops friendships with fellow diggers – all uniquely gifted nicknames such as “X-Ray” and “Zero”, Stanley himself eventually earning the nickname “Caveman”. The more time Stanley spends at the camp with these new friends, the closer he comes to uncovering the secretive past of Camp Green Lake. The inquisitive nature of this protagonist strikes a relatable chord among readers, as he struggles to navigate the unjust world of youth, and the development of one’s own fate. My favorite aspect of this novel is the friendship developed between Stanley and Zero, as they help each other to individually blossom. If you love a good mystery, or a unique take on a coming-of-age tale, then Holes is the perfect read for you!

Published in 1939

As someone who tends to stick to non-fiction and self-development books, this realistic fiction novel grabbed my attention from the very start and refused to be put down.

Prior to WW1, the life of a lieutenant was quite mundane.  The focus was mainly on ceremonial parades and keeping the equipment in pristine condition. One had to find excitement outside of work, and Anton Hoffmiller sure did. An invitation to the most sought-after party landed him in the house of Mr.Kekesfalva, one of the richest men in all of Austria. Gluttony was surely on display as the young lieutenant could not resist the finest foods and beverages known to man. His drunken state brought him to a lovely lady named Edith Kekesfalva. Not knowing that young Edith was partially handicapped, he had asked her if she would like to share a dance, and that is where his story turns. Making a mess of the situation, Anton rushes out of the house and is left with one emotion, pity. Over the course of the book, Anton’s pity for the young girl flips his whole world upside down and drags everyone around him to their ultimate downfall.

The Outsiders is a novel following the life of Ponyboy Curtis and his gang, the Greasers, set in the 1960s. A rival gang of rich kids called the Socs live on the other side of town. The story is about identity exploration, adolescent hardships, and class conflict.

Ponyboy takes us through his adventures and provides deeper understanding through his actions and feelings. The fundamental themes of the book are fraternity, and loyalty, which are shown through his interactions with his brothers and friends. There is also a mention of mental health and suicide through the character Johnny and his feelings towards his home life.

Hinton’s novel is written using simple language that allows most readers to access and interpret the deeper meaning of this novel. The novel’s themes of brutality, class inequality, and the passing of innocence can be seen in our modern society although this was set in the 1960’s. The Outsiders is a representation of the divide that can occur in society based on cultural differences that still face us today; it’s more than just a tale of teenage hardships.

This book continues to be considered a classic of adolescent literature and provides a great representation of relatable themes, events, and characters. Explore The Outsiders to learn about a story that shows how to find one’s place in a complicated world as well as growing up and a deeper understanding of the impacts of class conflict on the lives of people in society. 

Squirm is a delightfully quirky story about Billy Dickens, a boy who once hid a rattle snake in his locker to stop older kids from breaking into it. Billy and his family (mom and older sister) have lived all over the state of Florida because his mother always has to be within a 15-minute drive of a Bald Eagle’s nest. His mother’s love for birds and nature fostered a deep appreciation of exploration and wildlife within Billy, who prefers to spend his Saturdays in the everglades rather than at the mall with his classmates. Billy’s dad however, left when he was barely old enough to remember him and refuses to tell anybody what he does for a living.

After finding a poorly shredded child-support cheque in his mother’s recycling bin, Billy discovers his father’s address and uses all of his savings to buy a round trip ticket to Montana and finally meet his father! What ensues is a daring adventure filled with fly fishing, grizzly bears, and discovering the dark secrets of his father’s life.

This story full of heartwarming Hijinx, reconnected family, and amazing bravery from an outlandish teen, will be a delight for anybody who reads it. But the strong undercurrents of nature imagery, wildlife conservation, and a love for all things except concrete, make it perfect for nature lovers.

Rachel Clark (PJ131)

R.J Palacio’s “Wonder” is an inspiring novel about a young boy named August Pullman. The novel takes readers on an emotional journey as the author describes the challenges August faces during his transition from homeschooling to mainstream middle school as a young person with a medical conditionthat causes facial differences. This story tackles important themes such as acceptance, kindness, and friendship.

In the novel, the author captures the true emotions August experiences as he learns to become independent at his new school and experiences rejection. The author also touches on the emotions of those close to August providing multiple perspectives. This novel allows readers to observe August’s character development and helps readers understand the ripple effect of compassion and acceptance.

While “Wonder” is a novel suitable for students in grade 4-8, I think that the message presented in the novel makes it appealing to older students and adults as well. The overall experiences of August and those closest to him can foster impactful discussion surrounding bullying and acceptance.

I was introduced to this book by my little brother who did a novel study in elementary school. I immediately found interest in August’s character and appreciated the fact that I was put into his shoes and was able to explore his real raw emotions. My favourite part of the story is when August wins the kindness award because at that moment he was able to reflect on how far he has grown and changed for the better since the beginning of his journey. The themes and messages are extremely relevant and any reader can learn something from this novel. I rate it 5 stars.

– Yazmyne Jeganathan

Nix Minus One is the story of 15 year old Nix growing up in a small town in Newfoundland Canada. The story follows him and his older sister Roxy in high school.

Nix has a passion for working in his fathers wood shop but does his best to avoid being put in situations that require him to speak. He befriends the neighbors neglected dog and begins to find himself in this new and unique friendship. Unlike Nix, his sister is a social butterfly and begins dating the local bad boy much to Nix’s disapproval. Sibling love is not lost between them even while dealing with over-protective parents, bullies and the pain of heart break.

My favourite part of this book was when Nix begins making bird houses for the school and gains popularity as people discover his talent. I connected to this because like Nix, I was quiet in high school but I loved playing Cello and let my Cello speak for me.

This book will pull at your heart strings but also make you laugh, it was an exciting read that will remind you there is always light through the darkness.