Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

248 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Bree can't wait for her first day at her new middle school, Enith Brigitha, home to the Mighty Manatees—until she's stuck with the only elective that fits her schedule, the dreaded Swim 101.

The thought of swimming makes Bree more than a little queasy, yet she's forced to dive headfirst into one of her greatest fears. Lucky for her, Etta, an elderly occupant of her apartment building and former swim team captain, is willing to help.

With Etta's training and a lot of hard work, Bree suddenly finds her swim-crazed community counting on her to turn the school's failing team around. But that's easier said than done, especially when their rival, the prestigious Holyoke Prep, has everything they need to leave the Mighty Manatees in their wake.

Can Bree defy the odds and guide her team to a state championship, or have the Manatees swum their last lap—for good?

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

240 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Twelve-year-old Astrid has always done everything with her best friend Nicole. So when Astrid signs up for roller derby camp, she assumes Nicole will too. But Nicole signs up for dance camp with a new friend instead, and so begins the toughest summer of Astrid's life. There are bumps and bruises as Astrid learns who she is without Nicole...and what it takes to be a strong, tough roller girl.

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez & Gabriela Epstein

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez & Gabriela Epstein

208 pages

⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

How can you be yourself when no one sees the real you?
Five students meet in the school cafeteria when they’re forced to complete their school community service hours.

There’s Jorge: the brain
Sara: the loner
Dayara: the tough kid
Nico: the rich kid
And Miguel: the athlete

They immediately know that they have nothing in common with each other... even though their school administration has decided that they all belong together.
None of the kids wants to be there, and each has their own issues they're dealing with in their life outside of school. But when they encounter someone who truly needs their help, they might just be able to come together to work as a team—and help their community—after all.

Thea Stilton and the Dragon's Code by Thea Stilton & Geronimo Stilton

Thea Stilton and the Dragon's Code by Thea Stilton & Geronimo Stilton

Thea Stilton #1, 176 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Geronimo's adventurous sister Thea takes center stage in this super special that's packed with mystery, adventure, and friendship! When Geronimo's sister, Thea, is invited to teach a journalism class at a college on Mouse Island, she has no idea that she's going to be called on to help solve a mystery. But when a student disappears, it's up to Thea and five of her students to find out what happened. A nail-biting mystery ensues, complete with secret passages, underground tunnels, and more than a few surprises along the way. Readers will love following the clues to help Thea and her new friends through their first adventure together!

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Summary (from Goodreads):

Ever since Harry Potter had come home for the summer, the Dursleys had been so mean and hideous that all Harry wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he’s packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange impish creature who says that if Harry returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

Thoughts:

I feel like this series gets better with each book. I love watching Harry, Ron, and Hermione develop as individuals and as friends with each book. 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling

     Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling - 309 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

    Summary (from Goodreads):

Harry Potter has no idea how famous he is. That's because he's being raised by his miserable aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he's really a wizard, just as his parents were. But everything changes when Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards, and he begins to discover some clues about his illustrious birthright. From the surprising way he is greeted by a lovable giant, to the unique curriculum and colorful faculty at his unusual school, Harry finds himself drawn deep inside a mystical world he never knew existed and closer to his own noble destiny.

    Thoughts:

When I was younger, I started reading the HP series, and I only made it through The Prisoner of Azkaban. I've always loved the movies, and since my mom and I started the thousandth marathon of the movies, I decided I would start the series again. It's just as magical and funny as I remembered (perhaps even more so), and I'm excited to keep reading the series. 

 

Fairest, Gail Carson Levine | 326 pages

Aza is an innkeeper's daughter. In a country that sings, she has one of the best voices ever; the downside is she's considered quite ugly. Through a series of coincidences, Aza ends up at court for the wedding of the king and his new queen, and then, because of her voice, the queen chooses her to be Lady in Waiting.

A loose take on Snow White. It's a fun adventure in a fairytale world - I actually think the Snow White elements are weaker than the author's own components. The singing and the gnomes are delightful.

One downside: This was first written in 2006. The body image commentary feels very dated. It ends with a strong message of self-acceptance, but the road to get there was bumpy.

Back To The Bright Before

Back To The Bright Before | Katherin Nolte | 208 page

When your 12yo says you have to read something, you absolutely do it. She doesn't ask that of me often. And oh, how glad I am that I did!

Pet's family used to be wonderful, but her father was badly injured in an accident. Now her mom works around the clock to pay the bills, Dad doesn't get out of bed, and Simon only says "cheese ". Pet, age 11, feels responsible for the accident and therefore responsible for fixing all the problems that have come from it.

Pet and Simon set out on a journey that is either a fairytale or a faith allegory, or both layered together. My only gripe is that we never circled back to Nana and her gifts. It feels like a big miss, but my daughter didn't even notice. Maybe I'm asking a fairytale to be too real and "tidy."

The Fairy's Return, Gail Carson Levine

The Fairy's Return, Gail Carson Levine | 400 pages

A silly take on a collection of classic fairy tales. Levine creates the world of Biddle which is home to the magical village of Snettering-on-Snoakes. I appreciate that the tales are placed into the same world - the main character from one becomes the parents/grandparents in the next. Certain elements like the Glass Hill and the Museum of Royal Quest Souvenirs keep coming up to tie the stories together. 

I love Levine's creativity as she plays with these timeless tales. I giggled my way through!

Includes: Toads and Diamonds, Princess and the Pea, Sleeping Beauty, The Glass Hill, Pudducky (I don't know this one - seems to be a combination of Rapunzel and Frog Prince), and The Golden Goose.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

280 pages

★★★★

This classic science fiction/fantasy novel is one of the first books that inspired my love for reading. I hadn’t read it since 6th grade so I opened it and found that it is not only for children but was written for a universal audience.

Meg Murry, Charles Wallace, and Calvin O’Keefe are sent through a tesseract to another world by three ancient women who were once stars. They were sent in order to help Meg and Charles’ father who was lost after the government attempted to send him through a tesseract before they fully understood it. The world they are all sent to is a dark world, corrupted by a blackness that controls everything and everyone.

Village of Scoundrels (Based on a true story of courage during WWII) by Margi Preus

 

Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus. 295 pages. 

Margi Preus tells the incredible true story of a group of French teenagers who helped save refugees in WWII. Among them is a young, Jewish boy who learns to forge documents to save his mother and later goes on to save hundreds of lives with his forgery skills. There is also a girl who overcomes her fear to carry messages for the Resistance. And a boy who smuggles people into Switzerland. But there is always the threat that they will be caught: A policeman is sent to keep an eye on them, German soldiers reside in a local hotel, and eventually the Gestapo arrives, armed with guns and a list of names. As the knot tightens, the young people must race against time to bring their friends to safety. 

I love reading and learning about WWII, so this was a very interesting book to read. The story line was a little bit choppy because the story is told from each of the characters' points of view. However, the author kept my attention and interest throughout the novel. I would recommend this book to children 4th grade or older interested in history and WWII. 

Nickle Brickle'Bee: In the Heart of Earthworks by Sterling Nixon

Nickle Brickle'Bee: In the Heart of Earthworks by Sterling Nixon, 329 p.

"Nickle is odd—even by his own standards. When most boys are starting to get hair under their arms, Nickle starts growing whiskers on his chin. By the time he is twelve, he can grow a full beard. He also has a set of discolored eyes that are so shocking that they startle even the most steadfast of individuals. These traits, coupled with his odd behavior and stunted growth, result in Nickle's constant rejection of everyone around him. 

One day, after a series of comical but profound experiences, Nickle discovers that he is the decedent of a powerful Dwarf Lord, and that he is being drafted into the legendary Silver Army. It is not long before he is swallowed up by the Earth and taken to the center of the world where he finds a massive magical city called EarthWorks. Amid horrifying monsters, Elves that rule with pomp and power, Fairies that are in open rebellion, a host of ambitious Gnomes, a greedy Dwarf Warlord, and an indestructible but blind adversary, Nickle finds himself in the middle of an ancient power struggle that could mean the end of this new world—as well as his life."--Author's website

 

 This will be the first and last time I buy a book based on a Facebook ad. I didn't really enjoy this book so much as I endured it. There is very little fleshing out to the story or characters. I listened to this on audio and its narrated was not very good imo. Slurred a lot of words and over enunciated others. I may have enjoyed this book a fraction more but for the narrator. I actually returned the purchase on Audible...a first for me.

Jack Frost: The End Becomes the Beginning by William Joyce

Jack Frost:  The End Becomes the Beginning by William Joyce - 384 pages

The Guardians' powers are given the ultimate test as they journey to the moon itself in this fifth and final chapter book adventure of an epic series from William Joyce.

The Guardians came together to protect the childhoods of all who dream, and they are a formidable team: Nicholas St. North, E. Aster Bunnymund, Toothiana, the Sandman, Nightlight, and Katherine have thus far prevented Pitch from fulfilling his nightmarish plans.

But Pitch and his nightmare men lurk on the fringes, gathering strength, stewing in hate, and the Guardians know their guard needs one more member if they are going to vanquish Pitch for all eternity. And once they find the last in their band, they'll travel to the secret realm of the Man in the Moon, encounter armies of Moonbots, and face the greatest battle since the Golden Age; and that is just the beginning of this grand conclusion to a series most grand.

The Sandman and the War of Dreams by William Joyce

The Sandman and the War of Dreams by William Joyce - 128 pages

Academy Award winner William Joyce’s Guardians recruit Sanderson ManSnoozy, the sleepy legend also known as the Sandman, to their cause in this fourth chapter book adventure.

When the Man in the Moon brought together the Guardians, he warned them that they would face some terrible evils as they strove to protect the children of earth. But nothing could have prepared them for this: Pitch has disappeared and taken Katherine with him. And now the Guardians are not only down one member, but a young girl is missing.

Fortunately, MiM knows just the man to join the team. Sanderson ManSnoozy—known in most circles as the Sandman—may be sleepy, but he’s also stalwart and clever and has a precocious ability to utilize sand in myriad ways. If the other Guardians can just convince Sandy that good can triumph evil, that good dreams can banish nightmares, they’ll have themselves quite a squad. But if they can’t…they might never see Katherine again.

E. Aster Bunnymund and the Warrior Eggs at the Earth's Core! by William Joyce

E. Aster Bunnymund and the Warrior Eggs at the Earth's Core! by William Joyce - 251 pages

Pitch, the Nightmare King, and his Fearlings had been soundly driven back by Nicholas St. North and company in the first Guardians’ adventure. But now Pitch has disappeared completely—and out of sight does NOT make for out of mind. It seems certain that he’s plotting a particularly nefarious revenge, and the Guardians suspect he might have gone underground. But how can they find him there?
Enter E. Aster Bunnymund, the only emissary of the fabled brotherhood of the Pookas—the league of philosophical warrior rabbits of imposing intellect and size. Highly skilled in martial arts (many of which he invented himself), Bunnymund is brilliant, logical, and a tunnel-digger extraordinaire. If the Guardians need paths near the Earth’s core, he’s their Pooka. He’s also armed with magnificent weapons of an oval-sort, and might just be able to help in the quest for the second piece of the Moonclipper.

This second book in The Guardians series is about much more than fixing a few rotten eggs—it brings the Guardians one step closer to defeating Pitch!

Toothiana: Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies by William Joyce

Toothiana:  Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies by William Joyce - 226 pages

Beware a tooth fairy queen scorned in this, the third chapter book of Academy Award winner William Joyce's The Guardians series. There's a lot more to this tooth-swiping sprite than meets the eye!

When last we heard, the Guardians were resting easy with the knowledge that the children of Santoff Clausen were finally safe from Pitch's dastardly plans.

But is it all a ruse, a scheme, a lull the evil Nightmare King has deviously concocted?

Whatever Pitch's plans, what he doesn't know is that there's a new Guardian in town, and she's not the type to forget old grudges. Actually, she's not the type to forget anything--because this Guardian is none other than Toothiana, the Tooth Fairy herself. She's fierce and fast and crossing her will lead to a multitude of troubles. And, it turns out that, well, all those teeth she has been collecting? They contain memories. The forgotten memories of childhood... including the memories of how to fly. Young Katherine is hopeful that these memories might help her to remember her parents. The Guardians hope they'll offer even further protection from Pitch.

You can see how this information would be invaluable to our heroes. But it could also be invaluable to Pitch...

Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King by William Joyce

Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King by William Joyce - 228 pages

Before SANTA was SANTA, he was North, Nicholas St. North—a daredevil swordsman whose prowess with double scimitars was legendary. Like any swashbuckling young warrior, North seeks treasure and adventure, leading him to the fiercely guarded village of Santoff Claussen, said to be home to the greatest treasure in all the East, and to an even greater wizard, Ombric Shalazar. But when North arrives, legends of riches have given way to terrors of epic proportions! North must decide whether to seek his fortune…or save the village.
When our rebellious hero gets sucked into the chaos (literally), the fight becomes very personal. The Nightmare King and his evil Fearlings are ruling the night, owning the shadows, and sending waves of fear through all of Santoff Clausen. For North, this is a battle worth fighting...and, he's not alone. There are five other Guardians out there. He only has to find them in time.

The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked, and Found by Martin W. Sandler

The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked, and Found by Martin W. Sandler - 176 pages

The exciting true story of the captaincy, wreck, and discovery of the Whydah the only pirate ship ever found and the incredible mysteries it revealed.
The 1650s to the 1730s marked the golden age of piracy, when fearsome pirates like Blackbeard ruled the waves, seeking not only treasure but also large and fast ships to carry it. The Whydah was just such a ship, built to ply the Triangular Trade route, which it did until one of the greediest pirates of all, Black Sam Bellamy, commandeered it. Filling the ship to capacity with treasure, Bellamy hoped to retire with his bounty but in 1717 the ship sank in a storm off Cape Cod. For more than two hundred years, the wreck of the Whydah (and the riches that went down with it) eluded treasure seekers, until the ship was finally found in 1984 by marine archaeologists. The artifacts brought up from the ocean floor are priceless, both in value and in the picture they reveal of life in that much-mythologized era, changing much of what we know about pirates."